Baking paper and disposable biomass tableware labeled ‘eco-friendly’, ‘natural’, ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’ may contain PFAS and other toxic chemicals capable of contaminating food. The evidence emerges from an Italian study (G. Simonetti et al., 2024) published in Foods. (1)
Disposable ‘ecological’ tableware
Researchers analyzed disposable materials in contact with food made up of plant biomass (‘bio-based’), in this case, sugar cane bagasse or cellulose pulp derived from wood. Plates, glasses, bowls and baking paper were purchased in supermarkets, fast-food restaurants and retail stores in Italy.
The chemicals Two well-known families of molecules that are toxic to the environment and to humans are being researched:
– 22 types of PFAS, the perfluoroalkyl substances used to make dishes repellent to water and grease. These molecules are known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment. (2) Of the approximately 10 thousand in use, some are highly toxic to humans due to their potential characteristics of carcinogenicity, endocrine interference (including impediments to reproduction) and bioaccumulation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, has concluded that the two best-known PFAS are carcinogenic to humans. (3)
– 12 OPEs (organophosphate esters), flame retardants and plasticizers, including some that are clearly carcinogenic and mutagenic (capable of generating hereditary genetic defects).
Black palm on baking paper
The most contaminated samples, both from OPE and PFAS, are baking papers.
Among the flame retardants (OPE), researchers highlight the presence of four molecules toxic to humans:
– tributexyethyl phosphate (TBEP), which inhibits cellular profiling.
– tributyl phosphate (TBP), classified as an oral carcinogen for rats,
– triisobutyl isomer (TIBP), the subject of new studies, which based on its isomeric structure could give similar results to TBP,
– trichlorophenyl phosphate (TCPP), potentially carcinogenic and present in the samples in a significant percentage.
Among PFAS, six of the 23 compounds searched for are always present in all samples: PFOA, classified by IARC as ‘carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 1), and PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA and PFDoS.
Migration tests
Researchers also experimented with the migration of substances from containers to food. For the tests, they used two food simulants that imitate the behavior of fatty substances and aqueous-acidic foods.
The results were compared with the migration limit value set at 0,01 mg/kg in Regulation (EU) 10/2011, specifically referring to plastic materials.
Migration in fatty and acidic foods
Baking papers examined, they are also the worst bio-based disposable materials in contact with food.
Migration of chemistry in foods is favored by the high temperature and duration of contact between food and material. Furthermore,
– flame retardants (OPE) migrate comparably towards both foods with hydrophilic and lipophilic properties,
– PFAS migrate mainly to aqueous acidic foods.
Food contaminated beyond safe limits
Flame retardants cause great alarm. Among the four ubiquitous contaminants in food simulants, two are highly dangerous:
‘TIBP is an isomer of TBP whose mutagenic activity has been established. The carcinogenic TCPP has been included in the fourth priority list of the European Commission. These compounds, dangerous for human health, exceed the limit of 0,01 mg/kg‘, warn the researchers.
Normative References
The authors of the study also summarize the (bland) regulatory framework on the matter.
1 – There is no specific regulation for these materials. However, Regulation 1935/2004/EC applies to any material in contact with food (MCA) and prohibits the use of any substance harmful to human health and potentially transferable to food in the production of MOCA.
2 – Regulation (EU) 10/2011, which specifically applies to multilayer plastic materials separated from food by a functional barrier, establishes a legal limit of 0,01 mg/kg for the migration of unauthorized substances into foods.
Mutagenic, carcinogenic or reproductive toxic substances (CMR) should not be used in FCMs (food contact materials) without prior authorisation.
3 – Recommendation (EU) 2019/794 of the Commission has defined a control plan to establish the prevalence of substances migrating from FCMs into foods. The list of substances to monitor also includes fluorinated compounds (PFAS) present in paper and cardboard-based materials.
Population without protection
European consumers are often convinced that the products on the market are safe. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
The evidence that emerged in the work under examination is not new. Among others, an Ipen investigation six months ago also demonstrated the presence of PFAS in more than half of the disposable packaging sampled in 17 countries. (4) Yet, plates, glasses, containers and baking paper are freely on the market and used daily by unsuspecting families who could in the future become patients of healthcare that repairs preventable damage.
Marta Strinati
On the cover, the ‘ecological’ disposable tableware analyzed in the Simonetti et. study. al, 2024 (See note 1)
Footnotes
(1) Simonetti G, Riccardi C, Pomata D, Acquaviva L, Fricano A, Buiarelli F, Senofonte M, Di Filippo P. Studies of Potential Migration of Hazardous Chemicals from Sustainable Food Contact Materials. Foods. 2024; 13(5):645. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13050645
(2) Marta Strinati, Dario Dongo. PFAS in rainwater and food, a global ban is urgently needed. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(3) Marta Strinati. PFAS substances are carcinogenic, IARC confirms. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(4) Marta Strinati. PFAS, the toxic chemicals in fast-food containers and tableware. IPEN investigation. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
