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. 
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 how food packaging materials contribute to contamination by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The paper outlines how substances like bisphenols, phthalates, parabens, and organotins, which are commonly used in food packaging materials, can migrate into food and lead to endocrine disruption. These chemicals interfere with hormone systems, potentially leading to developmental, metabolic, and reproductive disorders. The review also highlights the growing concern over the widespread presence of these chemicals in packaging, especially plastics, and emphasizes the need for better regulatory measures and consumer education to reduce exposure.
Who is affected?
The populations most at risk from endocrine disruptors in food packaging include children, pregnant women, and workers in industries dealing with plastic production or food packaging. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due to the developmental effects of endocrine disruptors. For example, exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates during critical developmental periods can interfere with normal growth, reproductive development, and metabolic processes. The general public, particularly those who consume packaged food products regularly, is also at risk, as these chemicals can leach into food during storage, processing, and heating. Food manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and public health organizations are also key stakeholders in mitigating these risks.
Most important findings
The review underscores that food packaging, especially plastic containers and cans, is a significant source of endocrine disruptors. BPA and phthalates are the most commonly found chemicals, but the study also identifies other potential contaminants such as parabens, organotins, and melamine. Migration of these chemicals into food is influenced by factors like the food’s fat content, acidity, and the conditions under which it is stored or heated. The paper also discusses the “cocktail effect,” where the combined exposure to multiple chemicals, even at low levels, can produce cumulative toxic effects. Despite regulatory efforts to limit the use of certain chemicals like BPA, many substances remain untested or inadequately studied for their endocrine-disrupting effects. Furthermore, packaging materials, especially recycled ones, may contain residual chemicals that contribute to contamination.
Key implications
For the food industry, these findings highlight the need for stronger oversight and stricter regulations concerning the chemicals used in food packaging. Manufacturers must be proactive in ensuring that packaging materials are safe, with reduced risk of chemical migration into food. Public health agencies need to continue monitoring the use of endocrine disruptors in packaging materials and ensure that their levels in food products remain below harmful thresholds. For consumers, education on how to reduce exposure, such as avoiding heating food in plastic containers or selecting foods packaged in safer materials like glass or stainless steel, is crucial. Regulatory bodies and industries must collaborate to develop safer alternatives to harmful chemicals and mitigate the risks associated with endocrine disruptors in food packaging.
Citation
Alves, C. (2023). Food packaging and endocrine disruptors. Jornal de Pediatria, 100(Suppl 1), S40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jped.2023.09.010
Tin and its compounds, especially organotins, pose significant health risks ranging from neurological effects to reproductive toxicity. The HMTC program's stringent certification standards aim to minimize these risks and protect consumer health.
