Forever Chemicals Found in Global Food Packaging
A recent global study has uncovered the alarming presence of 68 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, in food packaging materials from around the world. Shockingly, 61 of these chemicals are not authorized for use in such products, raising significant questions about their origins and the safety of everyday consumer goods. This is not the first research stud<y to identify Forever Chemicals in Food Packaging.
Discovery of Unauthorized Chemicals
The research, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, reveals a significant discrepancy between known and detected PFAS chemicals in food packaging. While 140 PFAS chemicals are recognized and used in food packaging, the study identified 68, including 61 not listed for authorized use. Birgit Geueke, senior scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum Foundation in Zurich and the study’s senior author, expressed concern over this finding, stating, “It’s very hard to explain where they come from.” This highlights a critical gap in regulatory oversight and chemical safety in food packaging materials.
The Risks of PFAS Exposure
PFAS are synthetic chemicals valued for their ability to repel oil and water, making them popular in a range of consumer products, including cookware, cosmetics, and particularly food packaging. However, these chemicals are notorious for their persistence both in the environment and the human body, where they have been linked to numerous health risks. David Andrews, a chemist and toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group, emphasized the vast scientific evidence associating PFAS exposure with cancer, reproductive issues, and weakened vaccine responses.
Regulatory and Health Implications
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations on PFAS use in food packaging. Currently, the discrepancy between authorized and detected PFAS chemicals suggests that unintended chemical reactions during manufacturing or degradation over time could be introducing these substances into the packaging. Notably, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has only recently set drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds in March 2023, reflecting the slow regulatory response to the growing body of evidence on their health impacts.
International Responses and FDA Actions
In response to rising concerns, the FDA has taken steps to limit the use of PFAS in food packaging, particularly targeting paper and paperboard materials coated with grease-proofing agents as of February 28. These materials were prioritized due to extensive research demonstrating their potential toxicity. The European Union is also considering stricter controls on PFAS in food packaging, highlighting a growing international push towards better protection against these harmful chemicals.
Industry and Scientific Perspectives
The chemical industry, represented by groups like the American Chemistry Council, argues for assessing PFAS chemicals on an individual basis due to their varied properties and applications. However, the discovery of many unauthorized PFAS in food packaging supports the call from scientists and environmental groups to regulate these chemicals as a single class. This approach would address the overarching risks of PFAS without getting bogged down by the specificities of each compound, given the impracticality of individually testing over 12,000 known PFAS types for toxicity.
A Call for Safer Alternatives
The presence of unauthorized and potentially hazardous chemicals in food packaging is a wake-up call for both regulators and the food packaging industry. As Geueke points out, “Only some PFAS have ever been tested for toxicity,” suggesting that safer alternatives to PFAS in food packaging are not only necessary but possible. This study serves as a crucial step towards understanding and mitigating the risks associated with PFAS, urging a reevaluation of how food safety is regulated and highlighting the need for innovation in developing non-toxic packaging solutions.
You might also be interested in:
McDonald’s Gears Up to Launch Its Largest Burger Ever
The Most Harmful Ultra-Processed Foods Identified in a 30-Year Study
———————————————————————————————————
Foodcazt (www.foodcazt.com) is a Food Magazine. We help you discover food. Benefit from our Recipes, Reviews, Food Guides & Articles. We uncover trends, especially for Indian and Asian Cuisines. Please follow us to learn more. Uncover recipes. Learn about trends. Unearth unique restaurants. Find what moves you. Discover what inspires others. We uncover trends, especially for Indian Cuisine and Asian Cuisine. It would mean the world to use if you follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
 in food packaging materials){kind=link}