Is Our Food Poisoning Us?

Recently 3600 chemicals found in food packaging were present in human beings. Is our food poisoning us?

Among these chemicals are PFAS, bisphenol, metals, and phthalates, all of which are linked to serious health risks, including cancer and hormone disruption. The findings, published in the *Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology*, raise concerns about the potential health effects of food contact substances.

The research highlights the presence of toxic compounds in blood, breast milk, and hair samples. While some chemicals, like PFAS, are well-known for their hazardous effects, others, including synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives, remain understudied. Researchers emphasize the need for stronger regulations and more thorough toxicological assessments.

Factors like heat, fat content, and acidity increase the rate at which chemicals leach from packaging into food, making it challenging for consumers to avoid exposure. However, experts suggest that switching to glass containers and avoiding plastic can reduce chemical transfer.

Regulatory oversight remains limited, with many chemicals approved under the U.S. FDA’s “generally regarded as safe” rule. While European regulations are stricter, researchers call for more comprehensive measures to address the risks associated with food packaging materials.

What Packaging is Safe?

To determine the safety of a food contact substance, the FDA compares the cumulative dietary exposure estimate with available toxicological information on the substance. The FDA has robust minimum safety data requirements that are determined based on the cumulative dietary exposure to the substance. In addition to the FDA’s minimum safety data requirements, a pre-market submission must also discuss all available related information relevant to the safety assessment of a food contact substance. The FDA applies safety factors to this information to determine a safe level of exposure and compares this level to the cumulative dietary exposure estimate to determine if the use of the food contact substance is safe.

The FDA applies the same safety standard to all food additives, including food contact substances. The information must demonstrate that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to consumers when the food contact substance is proposed or intended for use in contact with food. Because of inherent limitations of science, the FDA can never be absolutely certain of the absence of any risk from the use of any substance.

Post-market Assessment Related to Food Contact Substances

The FDA may reassess the safe use of food contact substances and take action based on that reassessment. The FDA has strict data requirements that must be met to establish safe conditions of use during review of a pre-market submission, and as new scientific information becomes available, we re-evaluate the safety assessments. This includes reviewing published scientific literature and studies from other regulatory and health agencies in the U.S. and in other countries, and updated information when the same substance is the subject of a new food contact notification. In some of our assessments, we identify areas where additional information is needed. We may work with research partners on studies to help fill these data gaps. However, we generally must rely on information about marketed products that is submitted voluntarily because manufacturers are generally not required to submit this post-market information under our current authorities.

Many people have opted to buy foods and move them to glass containers as a safer option:

• Glass containers do not release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, making them a safer option for food storage.
• Plastic containers, especially those made with polycarbonate plastics, may release bioactive chemicals that can pose health risks.
• Choose BPA-free plastic containers and avoid microwaving food in plastic to minimize potential health hazards.
• Storing food in glass containers provides a non-reactive and chemical-free environment for your food, ensuring its safety.

For more food safety information keep your eyes peeled here at Make Food Safe as we update the blog daily.