A recent study revealed widespread human exposure to over 3,600 food contact chemicals, with 100 having high-concern hazard properties and an additional 44 chemicals being classified as of medium concern.
In the comprehensive review, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, investigators found evidence that at least 3,601 of 14,402 known food contact chemicals (FCCs) have been detected in human samples. The study systematically mapped data from biomonitoring programs, metabolome/exposome databases, and scientific literature to assess human exposure to chemicals used in food packaging and other food contact materials.
The investigators analyzed over 14,000 known FCCs and found evidence of human exposure for 25% of them. Among the FCCs, 194 of them were detected in biomonitoring programs, 3,528 were listed in metabolome/exposome databases, and 63 additional FCCs were identified through systematic literature review.
The study identified several chemical groups of concern among FCCs detected in biomonitoring programs, including 51 volatile organic compounds, 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 25 pesticides, 23 metals, 23 dioxin-like compounds, 20 flame retardants, and 19 phthalates and alternatives.
Among the 235 FCCs included in biomonitoring studies, 100 were found to have hazard properties of high concern for human health and 44 had properties of medium concern. Among 175 prioritized FCCs, 5 were classified as high concern and 13 as medium concern. Category 1A and 1B carcinogens detected included styrene, benzophenone, formaldehyde, and cadmium. Nine phthalates classified as 1B reprotoxicants were also identified.
The investigators detected FCCs in various human samples, including urine (28), serum (20), blood (13), plasma (12), breast milk (13), umbilical cord samples (18), and placentas (6). In terms of analytical methods, 113 studies used targeted analyses, whereas 47 used nontargeted approaches.
The study highlighted significant data gaps in current knowledge. For 107 (61%) of 175 prioritized FCCs, no biomonitoring data was found. Additionally, 59 (34%) of these prioritized FCCs lacked hazard data.
The investigators compiled their results into a publicly available evidence map called the FCChumon Database to enable further research and inform policy decisions. While food contact materials are a known exposure source for many FCCs, the full extent of their contribution to the human chemical burden remains unclear for most compounds.
The authors declared no competing interests.