Food contact materials (FCMs) encompass the diverse set of materials used in the food supply chain, from processing to packaging. Over the decades, the use of these materials has expanded exponentially, introducing thousands of chemicals into direct or indirect contact with food. These chemicals, known as food contact chemicals (FCCs), migrate from FCMs into foodstuffs, posing potential health risks to consumers.
The United States and the European Union, two of the world’s largest economic blocks, have implemented extensive regulations on food contact materials to protect consumers. Yet, evidence suggests that these regulations are falling short, particularly concerning chemicals known to have carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting properties. This article explores how current FCM regulations in the U.S., the E.U., and globally, often fail to protect consumers from hazardous chemicals, leading to widespread chronic exposure to potential carcinogens, particularly mammary carcinogens.
| Medical Concept | Simplified Explanation | Relevant Details / Examples |
| Food Contact Materials (FCMs) | Materials used in packaging or items that come in contact with food. | Used in things like food packaging, utensils, and cookware. |
| Food Contact Chemicals (FCCs) | Chemicals that can move from packaging into food. | Examples include plastics, coatings, and ink in packaging. |
| Endocrine Disruptors | Chemicals that interfere with how hormones work in the body. | They can lead to diseases like cancer or problems with growth and reproduction. |
| Carcinogen | A substance that can cause cancer. | Examples include chemicals like asbestos and tobacco smoke. |
| Mammary Carcinogens | Chemicals that might increase the risk of breast cancer. | Includes chemicals found in everyday packaging that may leach into food. |
| Migration Testing | Testing to see if chemicals move from packaging into food. | Helps understand how much chemical exposure might happen through food. |
| Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) | Unintended chemicals in packaging that may come from impurities or reactions. | May come from manufacturing processes or contamination. |
| Regulatory Frameworks | Laws and guidelines that help control what chemicals can be used in food packaging. | Examples include EU regulations on plastic use in food packaging. |
| Key Characteristics of Toxicants (KC Framework) | A system that helps identify harmful chemicals based on their effects on the body. | Looks for things like how chemicals damage DNA or change how cells work. |
| Styrene | A chemical used in plastic that might cause cancer, especially in breast tissue. | Found in disposable cups, containers, and food packaging. |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | A chemical used in plastics that can act like hormones and may lead to cancer. | Commonly found in water bottles and can linings. |
| Ortho-Phthalates | Chemicals that make plastic soft but may interfere with hormones. | Found in plastic packaging and toys; can affect child development. |
| Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | Long-lasting chemicals used in non-stick or waterproof items that can be harmful to health. | Used in fast food wrappers and non-stick cookware; they don’t break down easily in the environment. |
| Regrettable Substitutions | Replacing a harmful chemical with another that might also be harmful. | Switching from BPA to BPS, which might still have similar health risks. |
| Chronic Exposure | Exposure to small amounts of chemicals over a long period of time. | Can lead to diseases over time, like cancer or hormone issues. |
| Cumulative Exposure | Exposure to multiple chemicals at the same time, which can increase health risks. | Can make it harder to know which chemical is causing harm. |
The Regulatory Framework: United States and European Union Approaches
In the United States, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1958 established a legal framework for regulating food contact chemicals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring that any food contact material does not harm consumers. The key criterion for evaluating FCCs is that no chemical is allowed if it is found to induce cancer in humans or animals, regardless of the level of exposure (Merrill, 1997). This zero-tolerance policy for carcinogens was intended to eliminate risks associated with known hazardous chemicals.
The European Union also follows a precautionary approach. Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 stipulates that food contact materials must not transfer constituents to food at levels that would endanger human health. The regulation applies to materials such as plastics, ceramics, and metals, with specific migration limits set for various chemicals. However, both systems face limitations, as evidenced by the persistent presence of known carcinogens in food contact materials, including plastics and paperboard, despite decades of regulation.
The Scale of the Problem: Unregulated and Unidentified Chemicals in FCMs
Despite these robust regulatory frameworks, a large number of food contact chemicals continue to pose a risk to consumers. Studies estimate that there are over 14,000 known FCCs, with potentially 100,000 more chemicals yet to be identified (Geueke et al., 2022). This problem is compounded by the fact that many chemicals are used in food contact materials but have not undergone comprehensive testing to evaluate their potential health impacts.
Research indicates that up to 127 chemicals of concern, including carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting substances, have been found in FCMs, with 97 of these chemicals showing evidence of migration into food (Zimmermann et al., 2022). These findings suggest that regulatory loopholes, outdated testing protocols, and the sheer number of chemicals used in modern food production systems are undermining efforts to protect consumers.
In recent years, the use of the Key Characteristics of Toxicants (KCs) framework has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying chemicals with hazardous properties. This framework identifies inherent biological properties of chemicals, such as their ability to cause DNA damage or disrupt hormonal systems, and uses these characteristics to predict potential health risks (Smith et al., 2016). This has led to the identification of a broad range of chemicals with carcinogenic properties, including those capable of inducing mammary carcinogenesis.
The Mammary Carcinogen Crisis: A Focus on Breast Cancer Risks
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths (Sung et al., 2021). While genetic factors play a role in breast cancer development, evidence is mounting that environmental exposures, particularly to chemicals in food contact materials, are contributing significantly to the rising incidence of breast cancer.
In a groundbreaking study, Kay et al. (2024) identified 921 substances with a high likelihood of contributing to mammary carcinogenesis. These chemicals were identified based on their ability to induce mammary tumors in rodent models, cause DNA damage, or disrupt endocrine systems. Of these 921 chemicals, 189 have been detected in food contact materials, with many of them being shown to migrate into food under normal conditions of use.
The implications of these findings are profound. Chronic exposure to these chemicals is widespread, affecting the entire population. This highlights an urgent need for regulatory reform to address the presence of potential mammary carcinogens in food contact materials and prevent further exposure.
Key Chemicals of Concern in Food Contact Materials
Among the 189 potential mammary carcinogens identified in food contact materials by Kay et al. (2024), several stand out due to their widespread use and significant evidence of carcinogenicity. These chemicals include substances such as styrene, bisphenols (e.g., bisphenol A or BPA), ortho-phthalates, aromatic amines, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Many of these substances have been detected in migration studies, where they were found to leach from food packaging and processing materials into food under normal conditions of use.
- Styrene: Styrene is a high-production-volume chemical used in the manufacture of polystyrene, a plastic commonly used for food containers, disposable cutlery, and packaging. Despite regulatory efforts to limit its use, styrene has been detected in food contact materials globally, including in the EU and the U.S. (Zimmermann et al., 2022). Styrene has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is known to cause mammary tumors in rodent models (Kay et al., 2024). The persistence of styrene in food contact materials, despite decades of research indicating its harmful effects, exemplifies the regulatory gaps and shortcomings in current chemical safety evaluations.
- Bisphenols (e.g., BPA): Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs, such as bisphenol S (BPS), are widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are found in food containers, can linings, and water bottles. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen, potentially increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer. Studies have shown that BPA can leach into food and beverages, particularly when exposed to heat or acidic conditions (Trasande et al., 2024a). BPA’s genotoxic and endocrine-disrupting properties are well documented, and its potential role in breast cancer development has prompted regulatory actions in some countries. However, BPA analogs like BPS, which are increasingly used as substitutes, may pose similar or even greater risks to human health (Wang et al., 2022).
- Ortho-phthalates: Ortho-phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers, providing flexibility to materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), commonly used in food packaging and tubing. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to adverse reproductive and developmental effects. Evidence of phthalate migration from food contact materials into food, particularly fatty and high-temperature foodstuffs, is well established (Muncke et al., 2017). Their ability to interfere with hormone signaling pathways raises concerns about their potential contribution to breast cancer development, especially in women with long-term exposure to these chemicals through food and other consumer products (Geueke et al., 2022).
- Aromatic Amines: Aromatic amines, such as aniline and 4,4′-methylenedianiline, are chemical compounds used in dyes, polymers, and rubber production. They are known to be carcinogenic and have been linked to cancers of the bladder and breast. These chemicals are classified as potential mammary carcinogens based on their genotoxic and endocrine-disrupting properties (Kay et al., 2024). Migration studies have detected aromatic amines in food packaging materials, including paperboard, which is commonly used for dry food packaging. The presence of these chemicals in materials that come into direct contact with food raises serious public health concerns, particularly in light of their established links to cancer.
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS are a large class of synthetic chemicals used in non-stick coatings, grease-resistant packaging, and waterproof materials. These chemicals are extremely persistent in the environment and the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” PFAS have been associated with a range of health effects, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system suppression (Wagner et al., 2024). Recent research has indicated that certain PFAS compounds may also contribute to breast cancer development through endocrine disruption and other mechanisms (Kay et al., 2024). The detection of PFAS in food packaging materials, particularly in fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags, highlights the widespread nature of human exposure to these hazardous chemicals (Groh et al., 2021).
The Persistence of Potential Mammary Carcinogens in Food Packaging
The detection of these chemicals in food contact materials and their subsequent migration into food products underlines the limitations of current regulatory frameworks. Despite the fact that regulations in the United States and the European Union specifically target carcinogens, the continued presence of potential mammary carcinogens in food packaging suggests that the regulatory processes are not sufficiently robust to eliminate hazardous exposures.
One of the primary challenges in regulating food contact chemicals is the complexity of the materials and the migration processes involved. Unlike direct food additives, which are intentionally added to food and are subject to strict pre-market approval, food contact chemicals may not always be directly regulated. Many FCCs are considered “non-intentionally added substances” (NIAS), meaning they are present as contaminants, impurities, or by-products of the manufacturing process. These chemicals may not undergo the same rigorous testing as direct additives, yet they can still migrate into food and pose health risks (Bradley and Coulier, 2007).
Moreover, many chemicals used in food packaging have not been adequately tested for long-term health effects, particularly in the context of low-dose, chronic exposures. For example, while acute toxicity tests may show no immediate harm, the cumulative effect of exposure to low levels of endocrine disruptors over years or decades can significantly increase the risk of cancer and other diseases (Maffini et al., 2021).
| Medical Concept | Simplified Explanation | Relevant Details / Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinogens (MCs) | Substances that can cause cancer by damaging the body’s cells. | Carcinogens can come from chemicals, radiation, or even viruses. Smoking and certain pesticides are examples of carcinogens. |
| Genotoxicity | The ability of a substance to damage the genetic material (DNA) in cells, which can lead to cancer. | Genotoxic substances can cause mutations in cells, increasing the risk of cancer. Example: Chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause DNA damage. |
| Endocrine Disruption | Substances that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in the body. | These chemicals can mimic or block hormones like estrogen, affecting growth and development. Example: Certain plastics (like BPA) disrupt hormones and may increase breast cancer risk. |
| Breast Cancer (BC) | A type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast. | More than 70% of breast cancer cases are linked to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Hormone-responsive cancers can grow when these hormones are present. |
| Estrogen and Progesterone (E2/P4) Disruption | When chemicals interfere with the natural action of estrogen or progesterone, increasing cancer risk. | High levels of estrogen or progesterone can fuel the growth of breast cancer cells. For example, some chemicals in pesticides have been shown to increase these hormone levels, raising the risk of breast cancer. |
| Receptor-Mediated Effects | When chemicals bind to hormone receptors, altering the normal signaling in cells. | Hormones like estrogen and progesterone bind to specific receptors in cells. Certain chemicals can also bind to these receptors, causing abnormal cell growth or cancer. |
| Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) | Chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone systems, potentially causing cancer. | EDCs are found in many everyday products, including plastics, pesticides, and cosmetics. Some EDCs may increase the risk of breast cancer by disrupting hormone signals. |
| Chemical Screening | Testing chemicals to see if they cause genotoxicity or disrupt hormones. | Screening tests are used to identify whether chemicals may increase cancer risk. For example, some tests measure if a chemical can alter hormone levels or cause DNA damage. |
| Predictive Assays | Tests that predict whether a chemical is likely to cause cancer by analyzing its effects on cells. | These tests assess if chemicals cause genetic damage or affect hormone function, helping identify carcinogens. Example: H295R and ER assays test the effect of chemicals on hormone activity and genotoxicity. |
| H295R Assay | A test that evaluates how chemicals affect hormone production in cells. | This assay is used to detect chemicals that alter hormone levels, especially those linked to breast cancer. It helps identify chemicals that may disrupt estrogen or progesterone production. |
| ER Activity Assay | A test that measures how chemicals affect the estrogen receptor, which plays a role in cell growth. | Chemicals that interfere with the estrogen receptor may lead to breast cancer. This assay helps identify substances that increase breast cancer risk by affecting estrogen signaling. |
| ToxValDB and ToxRefDB | Databases that collect data on how chemicals affect health, including their potential to cause cancer. | These databases compile results from tests on chemical toxicity, helping researchers identify cancer-causing substances. |
| Statistical Enrichment | The process of finding whether certain characteristics, like genotoxicity, are more common in carcinogens. | This analysis helps scientists identify patterns, such as whether chemicals that cause DNA damage are more likely to be carcinogenic. |
Recent Findings on Chemical Migration (2020–2022)
Migration studies published between 2020 and 2022 provide further insight into the extent of human exposure to potential mammary carcinogens from food contact materials. These studies indicate that 76 potential mammary carcinogens have been detected in FCMs under realistic conditions of use. The chemicals were found in a wide range of materials, including plastics, paper and board, metals, and multi-material packaging. Notably, plastics accounted for the majority of these detections, with 61 of the 76 chemicals being found in plastic materials (Kay et al., 2024).
The geographical spread of these findings is also significant. Chemicals were detected in food contact materials purchased in markets across the globe, including in the United States, Europe, China, India, Nigeria, and Brazil. This indicates that the problem of chemical migration from food packaging is not confined to any one region but is a global issue that affects consumers worldwide (Song et al., 2022).
One of the most concerning aspects of these findings is that many of the chemicals detected in migration studies have already been classified as hazardous by various regulatory agencies. For instance, 19 of the chemicals are included in the EU’s list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), and 23 are listed under California’s Proposition 65, which identifies chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm (OEHHA, 2024). Despite this, these chemicals continue to be used in food contact materials and have been found to migrate into food, underscoring the inadequacy of current regulatory mechanisms.
The Role of the Key Characteristics of Toxicants (KC) Framework in Identifying Hazardous Chemicals
The Key Characteristics of Toxicants (KC) framework offers a promising approach to addressing the gaps in chemical regulation. By focusing on the inherent properties of chemicals that are known to cause adverse biological effects, the KC framework provides a more comprehensive method for identifying hazardous substances, including those that contribute to cancer development.
The KCs of carcinogens, as described by Smith et al. (2016), include properties such as the ability to induce DNA damage, cause oxidative stress, promote chronic inflammation, and disrupt endocrine signaling pathways. By evaluating chemicals based on these characteristics, researchers can identify potential carcinogens even in the absence of direct evidence of cancer causation. This is particularly valuable for chemicals like endocrine disruptors, which may not induce cancer directly but can contribute to the conditions that lead to cancer development over time (Luderer et al., 2019).
For potential mammary carcinogens, the KC framework has proven especially useful. It has allowed researchers to identify chemicals that may contribute to breast cancer through mechanisms such as estrogen receptor activation, genotoxicity, or interference with DNA repair processes (Kay et al., 2024). As more chemicals are evaluated using the KC framework, it is likely that additional hazardous substances will be identified, providing a stronger foundation for regulatory action.
Policy Recommendations for Reducing Exposure to Mammary Carcinogens
Given the evidence of widespread exposure to potential mammary carcinogens through food contact materials, there is an urgent need for regulatory reform to better protect public health. The following policy recommendations are based on the findings of recent studies and the insights provided by the KC framework.
- Adopt a Hazard-Based Regulatory Approach: Current regulations rely heavily on risk assessments, which evaluate the likelihood of harm based on exposure levels. However, as the evidence on low-dose and chronic exposures to endocrine disruptors and other carcinogens shows, this approach may not be sufficient to protect public health. A hazard-based approach, which restricts the use of chemicals based on their intrinsic properties (such as carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption), would provide stronger safeguards against hazardous exposures.
- Implement Comprehensive Testing of Food Contact Materials: Many food contact chemicals, particularly non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), have not undergone comprehensive testing for their potential health effects. Regulatory agencies should require manufacturers to conduct thorough toxicological evaluations of all chemicals used in food packaging, including those present as impurities or by-products. Additionally, migration testing should be expanded to cover a broader range of chemicals and real-world conditions, ensuring that all potential exposures are identified.
Policy Recommendations for Reducing Exposure to Mammary Carcinogens (Continued)
Strengthen International Regulatory Collaboration: Given the global nature of the food supply chain, it is essential that regulatory bodies collaborate across borders to harmonize standards and share data on chemical safety. International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), should work with national regulatory agencies to establish uniform guidelines for the evaluation and regulation of food contact materials. This would prevent situations where harmful chemicals banned in one country are still used in others, allowing hazardous substances to continue circulating in global markets.
Additionally, countries should collaborate on research initiatives, pooling resources and expertise to develop better methods for identifying and testing potentially harmful chemicals. These efforts would not only improve chemical safety but also reduce the costs and time associated with chemical risk assessments. The EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which emphasizes the development of safer alternatives and promotes international cooperation, provides a promising model for other regions to follow (European Commission, 2020).
Ban Hazardous Chemicals Based on Key Characteristics: The Key Characteristics (KC) framework provides a scientific basis for identifying chemicals that pose significant health risks. Regulatory agencies should adopt the KC framework as a tool for evaluating chemicals used in food contact materials and immediately ban or restrict chemicals with characteristics indicative of carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, or other hazardous properties. This would represent a shift away from the traditional risk-based approach, which often requires extensive evidence of harm before action is taken. By focusing on the inherent properties of chemicals, regulators can act proactively to prevent exposure to hazardous substances.
For example, chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs should be banned from use in food contact materials based on their known endocrine-disrupting properties, even if direct evidence of carcinogenesis is not available. Similarly, substances like ortho-phthalates, which have been shown to interfere with hormone signaling and pose risks to reproductive health, should be phased out of use in food packaging and replaced with safer alternatives (Geueke et al., 2022).
Promote International Collaboration and Harmonization of Standards: The global nature of the food supply chain means that consumers are exposed to food contact materials manufactured in different countries, each with its own regulatory framework. This creates a patchwork of standards, with some countries allowing the use of chemicals that are banned elsewhere. To protect public health more effectively, international regulatory bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), should promote greater harmonization of food contact material regulations. Establishing global standards for the use and testing of food contact chemicals would help prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the food supply, regardless of where they are manufactured.
International collaboration is particularly important for addressing the problem of chemical migration. By sharing data on chemical use, migration testing, and health impacts, regulatory agencies can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the risks posed by food contact chemicals. This would enable them to take coordinated action to phase out hazardous substances and promote the use of safer alternatives.
Incentivize Innovation in Safer Alternatives: The transition away from hazardous food contact chemicals will require the development of safer alternatives that maintain the functional properties needed in packaging and food processing. Governments should incentivize research and development in this area by providing funding for green chemistry initiatives and offering tax breaks or subsidies to companies that invest in safer materials.
The adoption of the Key Characteristics of Toxicants (KC) framework can also help guide the development of safer alternatives by identifying the hazardous properties that must be avoided. By focusing on the molecular properties that predict toxicity, industries can develop materials that minimize the potential for harm while still providing the necessary performance characteristics for food packaging and processing.
Address the Issue of “Regrettable Substitutions”: One of the risks associated with banning hazardous chemicals is the possibility of “regrettable substitutions,” where a hazardous substance is replaced with another chemical that has similar or even greater risks. For example, when bisphenol A (BPA) was phased out of some food packaging materials due to concerns about its endocrine-disrupting properties, manufacturers began using bisphenol S (BPS) as a substitute. However, BPS has been found to have similar toxicological effects as BPA, raising concerns that the substitution may not have reduced the overall risk to consumers (Wang et al., 2022).
To avoid regrettable substitutions, regulatory agencies should require comprehensive toxicological testing of any proposed replacement chemicals, including their potential to migrate into food and their long-term health effects. The KC framework can again be useful in this context, as it allows regulators to screen for hazardous properties across a wide range of chemicals, even if they are chemically distinct from the substances they are intended to replace.
Expand Public Awareness and Transparency: One of the challenges in regulating food contact materials is that consumers are often unaware of the chemicals present in their food packaging and processing materials. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for individuals to make informed choices about the products they consume.
Governments and regulatory agencies should work to improve public awareness of food contact chemicals by requiring clear labeling of packaging materials and providing accessible information on the risks associated with specific chemicals. Transparency in chemical use, combined with public education campaigns, can empower consumers to reduce their exposure to hazardous substances and increase demand for safer alternatives.
Moreover, regulatory agencies should make data on chemical migration and toxicity publicly available, allowing independent researchers and advocacy groups to hold manufacturers accountable and contribute to the development of safer products.
The Global Implications of Chemical Exposure through Food Contact Materials
The widespread use of hazardous chemicals in food contact materials is not just a national or regional problem—it is a global issue with far-reaching implications for public health and environmental sustainability. The presence of chemicals such as styrene, bisphenols, phthalates, aromatic amines, and PFAS in food packaging materials has been documented in countries around the world, from high-income nations to low- and middle-income countries.
In many low- and middle-income countries, where regulatory frameworks for food contact materials may be less stringent, consumers may be at even greater risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals. The lack of resources for comprehensive chemical testing and enforcement, combined with the importation of food packaging materials from countries with weaker regulations, means that consumers in these regions may be disproportionately affected by chemical migration.
Furthermore, the environmental persistence of chemicals like PFAS means that they can accumulate in ecosystems and contaminate water supplies, leading to long-term environmental and health consequences. The global nature of the food packaging industry means that action taken in one country to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals can have a positive impact on public health and the environment worldwide.
Future Directions for Research and Regulation
While significant progress has been made in understanding the risks associated with food contact chemicals, there is still much to learn. Future research should focus on the following key areas:
- Long-Term Health Effects of Low-Dose Exposures: Much of the existing research on food contact chemicals has focused on acute toxicity and high-dose exposures. However, the health effects of chronic, low-dose exposure to chemicals like endocrine disruptors are not well understood. Long-term epidemiological studies are needed to assess the impact of these exposures on cancer risk, reproductive health, and other outcomes.
- Cumulative Exposure to Multiple Chemicals: Consumers are rarely exposed to just one chemical at a time. Instead, they are exposed to mixtures of chemicals from multiple sources, including food contact materials, personal care products, and environmental pollutants. Research on the cumulative effects of these chemical mixtures is still in its early stages, but it is clear that the combined effects of multiple low-dose exposures could be greater than the sum of their parts (Stevens et al., 2024). Regulatory agencies should consider the potential for cumulative exposure when setting safety standards for food contact materials.
- Improved Migration Testing Methods: Current migration testing methods are often limited to a small number of chemicals and do not always reflect real-world conditions of use. Developing more sensitive and comprehensive testing methods, including the use of non-targeted screening techniques, would allow researchers to identify a wider range of chemicals migrating from food packaging into food.
- Better Understanding of Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS): Non-intentionally added substances, such as contaminants and by-products, are often overlooked in chemical safety assessments. Future research should focus on identifying and characterizing these substances, as well as assessing their potential health effects. Given that NIAS can account for a significant portion of the chemicals present in food packaging, they represent a critical gap in current regulatory frameworks.
The presence of hazardous chemicals in food contact materials is a serious public health issue that demands immediate attention. Despite decades of regulation, carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting, and other harmful chemicals continue to migrate from food packaging into the food supply, posing risks to consumers worldwide. The Key Characteristics of Toxicants (KC) framework offers a valuable tool for identifying and regulating these chemicals based on their intrinsic hazardous properties, rather than relying solely on risk assessments.
Moving forward, regulatory agencies must adopt a more proactive approach to managing food contact chemicals, incorporating hazard-based criteria, incentivizing the development of safer alternatives, and promoting greater transparency and public awareness. International collaboration is also essential for harmonizing standards and reducing global exposure to hazardous chemicals.
By taking these steps, governments, industry, and consumers can work together to reduce the burden of diseases such as breast cancer, protect public health, and ensure the safety of food packaging materials for generations to come.
resource : https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2024.1440331/full
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