Packaged Foods: Understanding Human Exposure to Food Contact Chemicals

Recent news stories are highlighting both the presence of food contact chemicals (FCCs) in our bodies and the lack of a clear understanding of their potential impact on our health. FCCs consist of many different substances and evidence is increasing that FCCs can leach from food packaging and processing materials into food where we then consume them and they enter our bodies. 

What are food contact chemicals?

Food contact chemicals are the substances used to make materials that come into direct contact with our food. FCCs are added to materials to improve performance in some way.  A large quantity of these materials that contain FCCs are plastics such as plastic containers, plastic wraps, plastic linings in metal cans and polymer coatings on food processing equipment. In addition to the variety of the food contact materials used across products,  FCCs inside of these materials are highly complex and can contain hundreds of unique substances.

FCCs can play many different roles to improve the performance of a product or packaging:

• Increase the shelf life of a product
• Impede the growth of pathogenic microorganisms
• Improve heat resistance of a product
• Prevent corrosion of the can containers
• Improve flexibility and durability of the container

Previous attention has been placed on other FCCs commonly found in plastic packaging and storage including  bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, chemicals known to disrupt the hormones in the body, have been shown to migrate into food.

What does the research say about FCCs and human exposure?

Studies in recent years have demonstrated that much is unknown regarding the complex chemical additives in plastics, largely due to information being inaccessible to the public or research community. A recent study out of the Food Packaging Forum Foundation specifically focused on food contact materials aimed to figure out just how much of these chemicals we are exposed to in our everyday lives. Researchers analyzed data from more than 14,000 known FCCs and compared it with human health studies and databases that track exposure to various chemicals.

Key Findings

• The research found that 3,601 FCCs, which is about 25% of all known FCCs, were detected in human samples, indicating that these chemicals are entering our bodies more than we may realize, including a number of different per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Non-intentionally added chemicals, including dioxin-like compounds, various pesticides, and flame retardants, can be found in food contact materials due to their introduction or formation during the manufacture, use, and recycling of these materials. Food packaging and other items that come into contact with food, like tableware and food processing equipment, add to the human chemical burden through oral exposure, as chemicals from food contact materials can migrate into food and be ingested.
• Out of the FCCs found in humans, 194 were identified in biomonitoring studies, with 80 of them classified as having significant health risks, including but not limited to cancer and reproductive issues. For example, some studies have linked BPA to hormonal disruptions, which can lead to health complications.
• Most of the chemicals detected in human samples came from a database that tracks blood exposure, reinforcing the idea that food packaging plays a major role in chemical exposure. This suggests that our everyday choices about food packaging could have long-lasting health effects.

How can food contact chemicals affect my health?

The discovery of FCCs in our bodies raises important questions about our health in relation to the products we use and are exposed to every day. Some of these chemicals can interfere with our hormones, increase the risk of cancer, and affect reproductive health, among other implications.

• Hormonal Disruption: Many FCCs are classified as endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, leading to issues such as infertility, early puberty , and even some types of cancer. For example, BPA is known for its estrogen-mimicking properties, which can lead to abnormal hormonal functions.
• Cancer Risks: Certain FCCs have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols are being studied for their potential role in breast, prostate, and testicular cancers. The concern is not only about direct consumption but also about cumulative exposure over time from various sources, including food, water, and personal care products.
• Reproductive Health: The impact of FCCs on reproductive health is another area of concern. Studies have suggested that exposure to certain chemicals can lead to developmental issues in fetuses and children. For instance, male infants exposed to high levels of phthalates in utero may face issues with testosterone production, affecting their reproductive development.

While we have a current understanding of some of the potential risks associated with known FCCs, gaps in our understanding of their safety and health effects still exist. With many of these and other unknown FCCs being ubiquitous in our daily lives, it is vital to close these gaps and broaden our understanding of all FCCs.
 

How can regulation help address health risks from food contact chemicals?

The sheer number of chemicals involved is one of the primary challenges in regulating FCCs. With over thousands of known FCCs , it is impractical to conduct comprehensive safety assessments for each one. Additionally, studies in recent years have demonstrated that much is unknown regarding the complex chemical additives in plastics and few are regulated. Currently, only about 6%  of all known plastic chemicals are regulated under multilateral environmental agreements , and an additional 1,021 plastic chemicals are addressed under national and regional agreements. 

What can consumers do about food contact chemicals?

While regulatory changes are essential, consumers can also take proactive steps to minimize their exposure to FCCs:

• Minimize Processed Foods: Processed foods often come in packaging that contains FCCs. By choosing fresh, whole foods, you can limit your exposure to these chemicals.
   
• Read Labels: Be vigilant about reading product labels. Look for items that are labeled as “BPA-free” or “phthalate-free.” While this doesn’t guarantee safety, it can reduce some risks of common and known FCCs.
   
• Choose Glass or Stainless Steel: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic when possible. These materials are not known to leach harmful chemicals into food and are generally considered safer alternatives.
   
• Avoid Microwaving or Boiling with Plastic: If you must use plastic, avoid heating food in plastic bags or containers. Heating plastic can increase the likelihood of chemicals leaching into your food. Even if it says “microwave safe,” that label indicates that the plastic will not melt, not that FCCs will not leach into your food in the process.
   
• Avoid using black plastic kitchenware: Recent studies show that black plastic kitchenware contains flame retardants because of incidental mixing with electronics during plastics recycling. Choose stainless steel or food-grade wood kitchen utensils.  
   
• When You Are Out: On a flight with an in-flight meal? You could choose to opt for the sides or bring your own food. Looking for a quick bite to eat? Chain restaurants also sometimes heat their sauces, beans, and foods in plastic bags inside a pot or stainless steel container for easier cleaning. You can use your voice to vocalize your preference, choose different foods, or eat somewhere else. Getting Pizza? You can ask for no paper or cardboard circle under the pizza. Getting a hot beverage? Bring your own reusable mug or ask if they have for-here cups. 
   
• Do Your Research: The researchers behind the recent study have developed tools like the FCChumon database,   which can help policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders better understand and manage the risks associated with these chemicals. Perusing this database can facilitate more informed decision-making regarding safety regulations.
   
• Support Food Safety: You could advocate for stronger requirements and labeling around food packaging and chemical safety. Supporting organizations that promote food safety can amplify consumer voices in pushing for change. 
   

As consumers, there are certain things that can proactively limit exposure to FCCs, though the recent study on FCCs demonstrates the magnitude of the issue and emphasizes an immediate need to improve food safety standards that include safer food packaging materials.
 

How is RTI International addressing FCCs?

At RTI International, we are committed to advancing the science and understanding of food contact chemicals through rigorous research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our expertise in chemical safety, exposure assessment, and public health positions us uniquely to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this critical area.

• Research and Analysis: Our scientists conduct in-depth evaluations of FCC health impacts using advanced analytical techniques. By focusing on biomonitoring and epidemiological studies, we identify exposure sources and pathways, informing regulatory frameworks and public health initiatives.
• Sustainable Alternatives Research: We help identify sustainable, chemically benign alternatives to existing bad actor chemistries.  For these newer chemistries we help ensure that we are not just replacing one bad chemistry with another, but moving in a more healthy direction.
• Policy Support: We support policymakers by providing evidence-based insights on FCC risks. Collaborating with regulatory agencies, we help develop risk assessment methodologies and shape regulations to protect public health.
• Future Directions: As research evolves, RTI aims to lead studies that explore the complex interactions between FCCs and human health. By collaborating with academic institutions and industry stakeholders, we seek to fill knowledge gaps and enhance food safety.  We’re currently building a process to better vet chemistries such as FCCs and ensure future generations are not dealing with similar problems.

This research is a reminder of the invisible chemicals ubiquitous to our lives that may be affecting our health daily which can be improved with better safety practices in food packaging. At RTI International, we are leveraging our scientific expertise and collaborative approach to advance our understanding of FCCs and promote sustainable, health-conscious alternatives. By consumers making well-informed decisions, researchers assessing risks and exploring alternatives, regulatory bodies revising guidelines, and businesses transitioning towards a healthier future, we can collectively promote significant progress in safer food packaging practices.