This review article from Nature Medicine investigates the pervasive health impacts of synthetic chemicals in food, particularly focusing on food contact chemicals (FCCs) and their presence in ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The authors highlight how modern chemistry, while enabling the global food system, also introduces diverse hazardous chemicals, with increasing evidence linking them to noncommunicable diseases. The article critically examines regulatory shortcomings in chemical risk assessment, which often overlook mixture effects and low-dose exposures, and emphasizes the underappreciated role of FCCs migrating from packaging and processing equipment in UPF-related health issues. Finally, it outlines crucial research needs and policy recommendations for a sustainable food system transformation, advocating for stricter chemical regulations, safer material innovation, and reduced UPF consumption.

References:

• Muncke J, Touvier M, Trasande L, et al. Health impacts of exposure to synthetic chemicals in food[J]. Nature Medicine, 2025: 1-13.