Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: a consensus statement
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Published:2020-03-03
Issue:1
Volume:19
Page:
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ISSN:1476-069X
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Container-title:Environmental Health
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Environ Health
Author:
Muncke JaneORCID, Andersson Anna-Maria, Backhaus Thomas, Boucher Justin M., Carney Almroth Bethanie, Castillo Castillo Arturo, Chevrier Jonathan, Demeneix Barbara A., Emmanuel Jorge A., Fini Jean-Baptiste, Gee David, Geueke Birgit, Groh Ksenia, Heindel Jerrold J., Houlihan Jane, Kassotis Christopher D., Kwiatkowski Carol F., Lefferts Lisa Y., Maffini Maricel V., Martin Olwenn V., Myers John Peterson, Nadal Angel, Nerin Cristina, Pelch Katherine E., Fernández Seth Rojello, Sargis Robert M., Soto Ana M., Trasande Leonardo, Vandenberg Laura N., Wagner Martin, Wu Changqing, Zoeller R. Thomas, Scheringer Martin
Abstract
AbstractFood packaging is of high societal value because it conserves and protects food, makes food transportable and conveys information to consumers. It is also relevant for marketing, which is of economic significance. Other types of food contact articles, such as storage containers, processing equipment and filling lines, are also important for food production and food supply. Food contact articles are made up of one or multiple different food contact materials and consist of food contact chemicals. However, food contact chemicals transfer from all types of food contact materials and articles into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. Here we highlight topics of concern based on scientific findings showing that food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances as well as for a plethora of toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals, both intentionally and non-intentionally added. We describe areas of certainty, like the fact that chemicals migrate from food contact articles into food, and uncertainty, for example unidentified chemicals migrating into food. Current safety assessment of food contact chemicals is ineffective at protecting human health. In addition, society is striving for waste reduction with a focus on food packaging. As a result, solutions are being developed toward reuse, recycling or alternative (non-plastic) materials. However, the critical aspect of chemical safety is often ignored. Developing solutions for improving the safety of food contact chemicals and for tackling the circular economy must include current scientific knowledge. This cannot be done in isolation but must include all relevant experts and stakeholders. Therefore, we provide an overview of areas of concern and related activities that will improve the safety of food contact articles and support a circular economy. Our aim is to initiate a broader discussion involving scientists with relevant expertise but not currently working on food contact materials, and decision makers and influencers addressing single-use food packaging due to environmental concerns. Ultimately, we aim to support science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Notably, reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated chronic diseases in the human population.
Funder
Food Packaging Forum Foundation Plastics Solution Fund
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Reference144 articles.
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