A recent study published in The Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology has found that 25% of known food-contact chemicals (FCCs) are present in humans, raising concerns about food safety and public health. Researchers analyzed biomonitoring data and multiple databases, revealing that out of 14,402 known FCCs, 3,601 have been detected in human samples, including 63 prioritized FCCs in breast milk, urine, and blood.
The study highlights significant data gaps in hazard assessments for many FCCs, particularly oligomers and antioxidants, often used in food-contact materials but rarely monitored in human samples. Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have already faced scrutiny, but many others remain under-researched, with 59 of the prioritized FCCs lacking any hazard data.
This comprehensive analysis underscores the need for improved monitoring and regulation of FCCs to understand their potential health impacts better and protect public health. The findings have been compiled into a new database to support future safety assessments and regulatory decisions, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted research on the health risks associated with these widely used chemicals.
Source: News-Medical.net