Food products interact with various food contact materials (FCMs) and articles (FCAs) during processing and packaging, which can lead to the migration of food contact chemicals (FCCs) into the food. Regulations in the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), and in several other countries globally aim to ensure the safety of FCC, prohibiting substances that may cause cancer (carcinogens). However, recent studies indicate gaps in these regulations, with evidence linking FCCs to adverse health outcomes and instances where allowable thresholds exceed harmful levels. At least 127 hazardous chemicals, including carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, have been found in FCMs, raising concerns about their regulation.
A study carried out by Parkinson et al., which was recently published in the journal “Frontiers in Toxicology” developed a framework based on the “Key Characteristics of Toxicants (KCs)” to evaluate and predict hazardous chemicals. Recent research has identified 921 substances that may be linked to the development of breast cancer, underscoring the potential risk from carcinogenic FCCs present in FCMs. This suggests that widespread chronic exposure to these carcinogens may be common, presenting a crucial but overlooked opportunity for prevention. Reducing this exposure could be achieved through science-based policy changes regarding food contact chemicals (See Graphic).
(Source: Parkinson L, Geueke B, Muncke J. Potential mammary carcinogens used in food contact articles: Implications for policy, enforcement, and prevention. Frontiers in Toxicology. 2024;6:1440331. Doi:10.3389/ftox.2024.1440331)