The study revealing alarming chemical contamination of our bodies from packaging

The products we use daily may be more intrusive than we imagine. Scientists have uncovered an alarming presence of chemicals in our bodies, originating from everyday objects such as food packaging.

More than 3,600 substances are slipping into our bodies, according to a groundbreaking study. These chemicals, sometimes extremely dangerous, come from kitchen utensils and packaging. Their number far exceeds previous estimates.


Published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, this international study involved researchers from the Food Packaging Forum, a foundation based in Zurich, as well as other institutions in Europe and the U.S. They worked from large human biomonitoring databases.

The scientists identified 14,402 chemical substances in common food packaging. Of these, approximately 25% migrate into our bodies through food. Some of these substances have been found in blood, urine, and breast milk samples.

The identified compounds include heavy metals, phthalates, bisphenols, but also PFAS, more commonly known as "forever chemicals." These substances are omnipresent in our daily lives: non-stick pans, fast food packaging, plastic bottles, and more.

Jane Muncke, co-author of the study, expressed concern about bisphenol A, an endocrine disruptor still in use despite regulatory efforts in Europe. According to her, progress in health protection is too slow, leaving the population exposed.

The researchers also highlighted the inks used in baby food packaging and melamine resins from plastic cutlery. These compounds migrate directly into food before entering the body, with potentially carcinogenic and toxic effects.

The study calls for better regulation and, above all, for health authorities to use this data to reduce widespread exposure. This is a hope shared by Birgit Geueke, a member of the Swiss team, who wishes to see these findings utilized by both industry and researchers.