Chemical substances identified in the human body raise serious questions about their impact on health. A recent study published on Tuesday 17 September in a peer-reviewed scientific journal highlights widespread exposure to a large number of chemicals that come into contact with food.
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, working in collaboration with Wayne State University in Detroit, analysed biological samples such as urine, serum and breast milk. They identified the presence of more than 3,600 chemical substances originating from materials that come into contact with food products.
Without us even realising it, bisphenols, phthalates and so-called “forever chemicals” find their way into our everyday lives. Whether in plasma, blood or even the skin, we are affected by this pollution.
Exposure of the body to chemical substances
On 17 September, another study published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal showed that our bodies are significantly affected by chemicals that come into contact with food. Quite simply, every time we eat, we ingest substances without being aware of it.
- Until now, we knew that chemical transfer was taking place, but we were far from imagining that the scale could be this high.
- The study reveals that 80 substances are considered hazardous to health.
- An association is calling for stronger regulation to be introduced to address this issue.
In practice, consumers have limited means to protect themselves. While it is possible to reduce everyday packaging by choosing loose or unpackaged products, this room for manoeuvre remains restricted. One concrete step is to avoid plastic water bottles, which contribute both to global pollution and chemical exposure. At Weeplow, we offer a gravity-fed filter combined with an activated carbon filter.
This combination can reduce the presence of pollutants in mains water by up to 99%. It allows you to drink healthier water without placing an additional burden on your body. Plastic bottles are also a source of microplastic ingestion, something that is already well recognised.
Beware of “forever chemicals” (PFAS)
Among the substances of concern are so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS), bisphenols, phthalates, heavy metals, pesticides and volatile organic compounds. Some of these are known endocrine disruptors, while others are suspected of being carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic. Over time, they can accumulate in the body and pose a risk to human health.
Exposure pathways are numerous, ranging from food packaging and kitchen utensils to non-stick coatings. The study also highlights significant gaps in scientific knowledge regarding the long-term effects of many of these substances on the human body.
Birgit Geueke, one of the study’s authors, underlines the need for further research to better understand these long-term health impacts and to develop safer alternatives.
What is the main health concern?
Jane Muncke from the Food Packaging Forum identifies bisphenol A as one of the most concerning substances still widely used in food packaging. Despite growing awareness of its potential health effects, it continues to be found in everyday items such as plastic bottles, drinks cans and food tins.
Her concerns reflect a broader pattern identified by researchers. Media coverage, including reporting by The Guardian, has highlighted studies showing that thousands of chemicals linked to food packaging and kitchenware have been detected in human samples, including substances known or suspected to disrupt hormonal systems.
While strategies have been put in place at European Union level, which continues to shape food safety standards across much of Europe, implementation often proves more complex than policy on paper. As a result, exposure to substances such as bisphenol A is likely to persist for some time.
Other chemicals also migrate into the body, including phthalates found in plastic bottles, printing inks used on baby food jars and melamine resins. These substances can be present in plastic cutlery and even in non-stick frying pans.
Using certain baking moulds, for example, can also contribute to everyday exposure to chemical substances.
Lack of data to assess the scale of the problem
Gaps in the assessment of risks linked to chemical substances present in food contact materials (FCMs) remain a major concern. Despite growing evidence of the migration of these substances into food, and their detection in the human body, there is still a lack of data on the long-term effects of many chemicals.
As highlighted by the study’s authors, Birgit Geueke and Ksenia Groh, current scientific knowledge contains significant shortcomings. This limits our ability to fully assess the risks to human health.
Continued research is essential to better understand the links between exposure to chemicals from packaging, kitchen utensils and other food-contact items, and potential effects on the immune and endocrine systems.
Towards stronger food safety regulation?
Current regulations governing the use of chemical substances in food contact materials show clear weaknesses. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory bodies are therefore under pressure to strengthen standards and controls in order to better protect consumer health.
This international study, based on collaboration between research institutions in Europe and the United States, offers an important opportunity to address these gaps and develop more effective prevention strategies.
Recent reporting by The Guardian has also highlighted research into chemical substances migrating from food packaging and kitchenware into the human body, reinforcing concerns raised by scientists and public health experts.
These findings highlight the need for concrete action to limit exposure to hazardous chemical substances in our everyday diet. Improving human biomonitoring, strengthening regulation and investing in research are all key steps towards reducing health risks linked to these widespread substances.
What can we do to protect ourselves?
To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, adopting simple, practical habits can make a difference. This includes choosing safer materials for food packaging and kitchen utensils, avoiding ultra-processed foods where possible and favouring fresh products.
Using containers made from glass or stainless steel can also help limit contact with certain substances. However, responsibility should not rest solely with individuals.
European regulatory authorities and manufacturers must also take concrete steps to better protect public health. This includes strengthening regulation on the use of chemical substances in food contact materials, developing safer alternatives and making it easier to identify where harmful substances originate.
