Scientists Raise Alarm over Potential Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Food Packaging
A recent study has uncovered a concerning discovery, revealing that there are possible cancer-causing chemicals present in food packaging, processing equipment, and cookware. Researchers are now urging for stricter regulations in light of these findings. The study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Toxicology, identified nearly 200 potential carcinogens in various materials used in food storage and preparation.
The team of scientists from Switzerland found that these harmful chemicals have the capability to trigger breast cancer, a prevalent form of the disease globally. Their investigation compared a list of 921 chemicals identified as potential breast carcinogens with a database of substances known to seep from food contact materials. Shockingly, they discovered that 189 of these chemicals have been detected in food packaging and related items.
Of particular concern is the finding that 76 of these chemicals are actively leaching into food under realistic conditions, raising the risk of daily exposure to these hazardous substances. These cancer-causing chemicals were found not just in one type of packaging but across various materials such as plastics, paper, cardboard, metals, and multi-material packaging. Plastic items, in particular, were most affected, with 76 percent of the identified chemicals being detected in plastic food containers.
Some of the chemicals uncovered, including benzene, styrene, and certain aromatic amines, are already known to cause cancer in animal studies, while others are suspected carcinogens. The presence of these harmful substances in food packaging was not limited to a specific region, as they were found in materials globally, including in the US, Canada, China, India, and Europe, with the UK being impacted as well.
In response to these alarming findings, the research team is advocating for more stringent regulations concerning food packaging to mitigate the potential health risks posed by these cancer-causing chemicals. Jane Muncke, the managing director of the Food Packaging Forum and co-author of the study, emphasised the importance of reducing human exposure to these hazardous substances to prevent breast cancer, highlighting the need for greater attention to be paid to cancer prevention through the reduction of harmful chemicals in everyday life.