Over 3,600 chemicals from food production and packaging make their way into our bodies, with some posing significant health risks, according to a recent study. Martin Wagner, a biology professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, commented on the alarming number, highlighting the substantial presence of food contact materials in human chemistry. The research, which is the first to establish a systematic link between packaging chemicals and human exposure, identified 79 chemicals alone that are known to cause a range of health issues including cancer and reproductive problems.

Jane Muncke, the study's lead author and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, emphasized that the study also accounts for unintended chemical byproducts present in plastics, coatings, and inks, which are not part of the food processing but still end up inside us. The American Chemistry Council, representing the industry, acknowledged the commitment to food safety but called for a broader risk assessment context, including regulatory frameworks and actual exposure levels.

The study pointed out the presence of bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dubbed "forever chemicals," in both food packaging and human bodies. Phthalates, another group of chemicals found in various products including food containers, have also been linked to numerous health issues.

The research compared a vast database of 14,000 chemicals in food contact materials to global databases monitoring human exposure to chemical toxins, revealing that only a fraction of these chemicals are actually monitored in human biomonitoring programs. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential health impacts of untested chemicals.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) noted that while the presence of a chemical in the body does not automatically signify harm, it is concerning to have chemicals with known potential for harm in our bodies. The EWG also highlighted a loophole that has allowed the food and chemical industry to approve nearly all new food contact chemicals since 2000 without stringent FDA review.

In response to these concerns, the FDA is prioritizing food chemical safety and is set to hold a public hearing to enhance the assessment of chemicals in food, addressing additives, contaminants, and pesticides, which is a significant step towards a more rigorous review process.