A recent study found that over 3,600 chemicals can seep into food during manufacturing, packaging, and storage, potentially exposing people to these substances. Some of these chemicals are linked to serious health issues like cancer and reproductive problems. However, only a small portion of these chemicals is regularly monitored, raising concerns about the safety of materials that come into contact with food.
Jane Muncke, senior author of the study from the Food Packaging Forum, stressed that many chemicals in food packaging and processing materials, including those unintentionally added, end up in food. The study calls for stronger regulations to better control the use of chemicals in food-related materials.
Although food packaging chemicals meet current regulations, experts believe the safety checks may not be thorough enough. Substances like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are linked to health risks, are still present. The study highlights the need for more transparency and improved monitoring to fully assess the potential dangers to human health.
Additionally, researchers have noted that food contact materials, such as fast food packaging and jar lids, may introduce phthalate replacements like DEHT and "forever chemicals" like PFAS into food, further underscoring the need for stricter safety controls.
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