Introduction
A new study has found that plastic food packaging and containers can contain hundreds of chemicals that cause cancer, infertility, and gene mutations. These chemicals are dubbed CMRs, which stands for carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to reproduction. The study also found that 22 of these chemicals were hormone- or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and 32 endanger health with persistence and “bioaccumulation”.
Findings
The study found that plastic food packaging can contain up to 388 individual “substances of concern,” including 352 known to be CMRs. Peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the presence of 127 of these molecules in food contact materials (FCMs). The research refutes the common assumption that ingredients for the manufacturing of plastic polymers do not migrate from the finished packaging.
Implications
The study provides scientific evidence that hundreds of harmful chemicals are lawfully used in FCMs in Europe today, and people are ingesting these hazardous chemicals with their food. The Swiss team compiled the List of Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoC) by rigorously analyzing those used in packaging. It will help implement the EU initiatives Farm to Fork and Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. Furthermore, prioritization allows manufacturers and researchers to improve safety for consumers.
Conclusion
The study concludes that plastic food packaging and containers can contain hundreds of chemicals that cause cancer, infertility, and gene mutations. The study’s lead author, Dr. Jane Muncke, managing director of the Food Packaging Forum in Zurich, Switzerland, said: “Our study provides scientific evidence that hundreds of harmful chemicals are lawfully used in FCMs in Europe today, and people are ingesting these hazardous chemicals with their food”. The study recommends that policy makers phase out priority chemicals from use in food contact materials.