Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The article provides a comprehensive review of the risks and challenges related to chemical migration from food packaging materials. It discusses how various packaging materials such as plastics, metals, paper, and glass can potentially transfer harmful substances into food. This migration occurs due to the interaction between the packaging and food under certain environmental conditions such as temperature, time, and food composition. The paper emphasizes the growing concern of contamination from chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and benzophenone, which are commonly found in packaging materials. This review also explores mitigation strategies such as the use of safer materials, innovative packaging technologies like smart and active packaging, and regulatory measures to protect consumers from these chemical risks.
Who is affected?
This issue affects a wide range of stakeholders, including food manufacturers, packaging companies, regulatory bodies, and consumers. Food manufacturers must be aware of the risks posed by chemical migration to ensure that their packaging materials comply with safety standards. Packaging companies are responsible for ensuring that the materials used in food packaging meet regulatory standards and are free from harmful substances. Consumers, particularly those who consume packaged foods regularly, are at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals if proper safety measures are not followed. Additionally, public health officials and regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) play a crucial role in establishing and enforcing migration limits for food packaging materials.
Most important findings
The review highlights that migration of harmful chemicals from food packaging, especially plastics, poses significant risks to human health. Chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and benzophenone can migrate into food and contribute to long-term health problems, such as hormonal disruption, cancer, and other chronic diseases. The migration process is influenced by various factors, including the composition of the food, the type of packaging, storage conditions, and the temperature during food preparation. Fatty, acidic, or hot foods are particularly prone to higher migration rates. Furthermore, the use of recycled materials in packaging has increased the potential for contamination, as these materials may contain hazardous substances from the recycling process. To reduce these risks, the article advocates for the use of safer packaging materials, innovative barrier technologies, and ongoing research into the health impacts of chemical migration.
Key implications
The primary implications of this research for the food industry are the need to adopt safer packaging materials and more stringent controls on chemical migration. Food manufacturers must invest in research to understand the risks associated with chemical migration and adhere to updated regulations. For consumers, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the potential risks of food packaging and the importance of choosing safer alternatives. Regulatory bodies should update migration limits regularly based on emerging scientific evidence to ensure that food packaging materials do not pose a health risk. The industry may also benefit from innovations in biodegradable and non-migratory packaging technologies that not only reduce the migration of harmful substances but also offer environmentally sustainable solutions.
Citation
Seref N, Cufaoglu G. Food Packaging and Chemical Migration: A Food Safety Perspective. J Food Sci. 2025 May;90(5):e70265. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.70265
