“There is strong evidence that 76 known or potential breast cancer carcinogens can enter the human body from recently purchased food contact materials around the world,” said study co-author Jane Muncke, executive director of the Food Packaging Forum, a nonprofit foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland. director and chief researcher.
“Getting rid of these known or suspected carcinogens in our foods is a huge cancer prevention opportunity,” Muncke said.
According to the study, 40 of the chemicals recently discovered in food packaging have already been classified as hazardous substances by regulatory agencies around the world.
“Many of these chemicals have already been recognized as dangerous to human health, but they are still allowed to be used in food contact materials, so they can end up in the food we eat,” said the Silent Spring Institute. , a research organization that focuses on the links between chemicals, women’s health and breast cancer, said researcher Jenny Kay. She did not participate in the study.
The incidence of early-stage breast cancer in women under 50 is on the rise, and experts say the trend cannot be explained by genetics alone.
“Colon cancer is increasing among younger people as well,” said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, former deputy chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, who was not involved in the study.
“Is it related to obesity? Is it because of alcohol? Is it lack of physical activity? Are these environmental factors? There are many reasons, and it will take a long time to find out which ones have the biggest impact, because some of these chemicals can be very dangerous and some of them can be low-risk,” Lichtenfeld said.
The Consumer Brands Association, which represents the consumer products industry, told CNN that its members adhere to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s evidence-based safety standards. “Packaging is designed to protect and ensure that food is safe for consumption,” the e-mail said. Sarah Gallo, the association’s senior vice president for product policy and federal affairs, said in the letter.
“FDA reviews and approves food contact substances using its own science-based and risk-based system before placing them on the market,” Gallo said.
The agency’s post-market review also ensures ongoing safety analysis and regulation of approved substances, she said.
The FDA has been criticized for failing to act quickly on concerns about about 14,000 chemicals known to be added to food. On Wednesday, the agency will hold a public hearing to present its ideas for improving post-market food analysis.
Possible breast carcinogens
in 2007 The Silent Spring Institute has published a list of 216 chemicals known to cause breast cancer in rodents, which experts say is the primary method for determining toxicity. in 2024 The list, updated in January, lists 921 potentially carcinogenic chemicals, including 642 that can stimulate the production of estrogen or progesterone, another known risk factor for breast cancer.
“The fact that so many potential breast carcinogens are in food packaging and can end up in our food is just one example of how many chemicals we are exposed to every day without realizing it,” said Kay, who is one of the 2024 scientists. co-authors of an updated study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
“Many breast carcinogens are also hormone disruptors, and many of the chemicals on our list can also damage DNA,” she said. – Consumers should not have to follow all the scientific literature about which chemicals to avoid. Regulatory authorities should recognize the danger and take action.”
Carcinogenic substances in plastic, paper and cardboard
The new study, published Tuesday in the journal Frontiers in Toxicology, compared Silent Springs’ database of known breast cancer carcinogens with the Database on Food Contact Chemicals Monitored in Humans (FCChumon – English). FCChumon, developed by the Food Packaging Forum, is a list of food contact chemicals found in human breast milk, blood, urine and tissues.
“The new study compared our list of potential breast carcinogens with a list of chemicals found in food contact materials to see which of the potential breast carcinogens are likely to enter the human diet,” Kay said.
According to her, this is a great way to prioritize chemicals that need to be regulated. The study found chemicals such as benzene, a known carcinogen linked to breast cancer in animals and humans; 4,4′-methylenebis-(2-chloroaniline) is a probable carcinogen associated with bladder cancer; 2,4-toluenediamine, which has been shown to cause breast and other cancers in animals; 3,3′-dimethylbenzidine and o-toluidine are dyes used to color plastic and paper.
“The dyes can be used on plastic, paper, cardboard, etc. and can have quite toxic properties, Kay said, adding that plastic is not the only culprit.
In fact, while the study found that the plastic used in food packaging was the most exposed to carcinogens, 89 suspected carcinogens were found in paper and cardboard packaging. “Paper has additives, such as emulsifiers and adhesives, for example if the papers are laminated or a layer of plastic is glued to the paper,” Muncke said.
Many of the chemicals found in the study were bisphenols, phthalates, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances called PFAS, chemicals of concern linked to many health problems.
Often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, PFASs are used in food packaging to prevent grease and water from seeping through food packaging and beverage cups. PFAS can also be found in the ink used to print logos and instructions on food packaging.
Chemicals in the PFAS group have been linked to elevated cholesterol levels, cancer and various chronic diseases, as well as limited antibody responses to vaccines in adults and children, according to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
Phthalates are linked to childhood obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer and early death in people aged 55-64. Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an endocrine disruptor linked to fetal abnormalities, low birth weight, and brain and behavioral disorders in infants and children. In adults, the chemical is linked to diabetes, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, cancer, and 49 percent of cancer. higher risk of premature death within 10 years.
Vida Press photo/Erectile dysfunction
Actions to be taken to reduce exposure
While regulatory agencies need to make major changes to protect the food supply, Silent Spring says there are steps consumers can take to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens.
Avoid roasting or burning food, as beef, pork, fish or poultry produce DNA-damaging chemicals when cooked at high temperatures or over open flames. Use a fan when cooking.
Contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) accumulate in fat, so remove the fat and skin before cooking meat and fish, and drain the resulting fat when cooking. Choose smaller, younger seafood, which will contain less mercury and other toxins than larger, older seafood, says Silent Spring.
Although many canned foods and cardboard boxes have eliminated BPA, some boxes still use the chemical in the lining. Acrylic and polyester resins, as well as polyvinyl chloride resins or PVC, are used instead. Currently, researchers are unsure about the safety profiles of these substitutes.
If you can, choose organic produce, meat and dairy over conventional, although they may still contain heavy metals, organic foods contain fewer pesticides.
Throw away plastic containers. Store and microwave all food in glass instead of plastic containers, avoid non-stick pans, and replace plastic bottles and coffee makers with glass or stainless steel ones.
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High temperatures. Opt for boiling or steaming instead, as these methods create fewer harmful compounds.
Additionally, consumers should try to limit the use of processed foods, as these often come in packaging that may contain hazardous chemicals. Choosing fresh, whole foods can not only reduce exposure but also promote a healthier diet overall.
Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic for food storage can help mitigate the risks associated with harmful chemicals found in some plastic products.
Moreover, opting for organic produce can reduce exposure to pesticide residues and may help avoid some of the harmful chemicals used in conventional food packaging.
Awareness is key; consumers should stay informed about the potential hazards in food packaging and advocate for stricter regulations that prioritize public health.
while the study highlights serious concerns regarding chemical exposure from food packaging, proactive steps can be taken by individuals to minimize risk. Urging regulatory bodies to act swiftly in addressing these issues is equally crucial for long-term health benefits.
