Study Identifies Breast Cancer-Linked Chemicals In Global Food Packaging

The Food Packaging Forum based in Switzerland worked with The Silent Spring Institute to create a list of more than 200 breast carcinogen-related chemicals found in food packaging.

This comes, as a new study finds more women under 50 are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Researcher Lindsey Parkinson with the forum said harmful chemicals tied to breast cancer were found in packaging products distributed globally. 

Studies show those materials come in contact with food through plastic, paper, and cardboard containers. Parkinson said people need to take actions that may reduce their exposure to those chemicals.

“Not to heat up plastics," Parkinson said. "Don’t put plastics in the microwave or if something comes in plastic from the store maybe take it out and put it into something like stainless steel, glass or ceramics. Those tougher more durable materials don’t bleach these chemicals in the same way."

One major goal of the study is to improve U.S. regulations of scientific standards for distributing food packaging.

Currently, she said there are thousands of chemicals on the market that come into contact with our food, as well as other consumer products.

She’s hoping her agency can test chemicals in groups to speed up the regulation process.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration started re-evaluating some of its approved products.

“There are chemicals that are used in food packaging that were grandfathered into the last major change back in 1958. So they’re just now starting to reassess since then,” Parkinson said.

The Silent Spring Institute has resources on what products these chemicals can be found in. You can visit SilentSpring.org for more information.