Study shows growing evidence of synthetic chemicals and microplastics from food packaging, processing are increasingly present in ultra-processed foods, posing under-recognized public health risks; authors call for more comprehensive testing of materials

June 12, 2025 (Health & Medicine Business Daily) –

2025 MAY 29 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Health & Medicine Business Daily -- Scientists highlight the evidence of increasing public health impacts from exposure to synthetic chemicals in food. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine, the article discusses the types and sources of synthetic food contaminants focusing on food contact chemicals from food packaging and food processing, and their increased presence in ultra-processed foods. Considering a wide range of scientific studies and regulatory initiatives, the article provides an overarching look at the issue, outlines future research needs, and shares existing options and novel approaches to aid the sustainable transition to a safer food system.

Key points made in the publication:

“The evidence is becoming more and more clear that today’s packaged ultra-processed foods are convenient and hyperpalatable, but they contain many synthetic chemicals and microplastics from various sources,” explains Jane Muncke, lead author of the new publication.

“We see that the health impacts of this type of food contamination are currently under-appreciated and under-studied. The scientific evidence shows a need for adopting a holistic approach to policymaking, that integrates considerations of planetary and human health, including hazardous FCCs and their impacts on health. All food packaging, processing equipment, and other food contact materials need to be adequately tested for their safety with regard to migrating food contact chemicals and microplastics using modern testing methods. New approaches to test for microplastics migration also need to be developed,” she says.

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