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Anshika,
- B. Sc Student, Department of Biotechnology (Hons.), Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Food packaging plays a vital role in preserving food quality, extending shelf life, and ensuring safe transportation. However, increasing evidence indicates that chemicals from packaging materials can migrate into food during processing, storage, and consumption, resulting in chronic human exposure. Several food packaging chemicals, including bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), styrene, heavy metals, and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), have emerged as important xenobiotics due to their potential adverse health effects. This review summarizes the major classes of food packaging chemicals, their sources, migration pathways, and mechanisms of human exposure. Particular emphasis is placed on the molecular mechanisms of toxicity, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endocrine disruption, inflammation, genotoxicity, apoptosis, and epigenetic alterations. These interconnected pathways contribute to the development of metabolic disorders, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, immune dysfunction, and carcinogenesis. The review also discusses current analytical techniques, including chromatography and mass spectrometry, for detecting packaging-derived contaminants, along with advances in vitro toxicological models, biomarker-based monitoring, and risk assessment approaches. Furthermore, it critically evaluates international regulatory frameworks governing food-contact materials, highlighting recent developments, existing limitations, and challenges associated with assessing the safety of emerging packaging materials and complex chemical mixtures. Finally, future perspectives on sustainable packaging, biodegradable polymers, safer material design, and integrated toxicological assessment strategies are presented. By integrating current knowledge on exposure pathways, molecular toxicity, analytical methodologies, and regulatory perspectives, this review provides a comprehensive resource for researchers, toxicologists, regulatory agencies, and policymakers while identifying key research gaps essential for improving food safety and protecting public health.
Keywords: Food packaging chemicals, Chemical migration, Molecular toxicity, Endocrine disruption, Food safety
[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology ]
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Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology
| Volume | 16 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 29/06/2026 | |
| Accepted | 03/07/2026 | |
| Published | 31/08/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 63 Days |