Forever chemicals, bisphenols, phthalates, heavy metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds... at least 3,601 chemical substances, some of which are particularly hazardous to our health, are found in our bodies and come from materials that come into contact with food, such as food packaging and cooking utensils.
Around 80 of these chemical compounds that come into contact with food belong to the category of substances of very high concern. According to the European Chemicals Agency classification, these are substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, or substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic.
Those substances are always present in plastic, in can and package coatings, in printing inks and so on.
For the first time, the FDA will hold a public hearing, slated for September 25, on enhancing its assessment of chemicals found in food, including food and color additives, food contact substances, potential contaminants and pesticides, and ingredients considered generally recognized as safe.
“This is unprecedented,” the EWG’s Benesh said. “This is the first time the FDA is talking about standing up a rigorous review program that puts human health first, that puts chemical safety first, and that restores some of the trust consumers have lost in the agency.”
