Database of migrating food-contact chemicals

Recently published studies have found more than 1000 additional chemicals present in or migrating from food-contact materials. The open-access FCCmigex database now compiles information on over 5000 food-contact chemicals from packaging and other food-contact articles across 1500 scientific studies. The latest research focuses on PFAS, phthalates and antioxidants.

The database provides citable data to support scientific and regulatory efforts to improve the safety of food contact materials. 

Food packaging can be a source of hazardous chemicals that transfer into food. The Database on Migrating and Extractable Food Contact Chemicals (FCCmigex) systematically compiles scientific evidence on food contact chemicals either present in food contact materials (FCMs) or transferred into food under real-world conditions, which indicates potential human exposure.

All the data is freely accessible in a user-friendly dashboard, including scientific studies published until May 2024. The latest update extends the database’s coverage and now includes:

• 5294 food contact chemicals (+20% increase from the previous version) 
• 1500 scientific studies (+13% increase) 
• More than 35,500 database entries (+30% increase)  

Key findings

29 of the 188 new studies report the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), adding 62 newly identified PFAS to the 68 previously documented in FCMs.

PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are highly persistent. Also, phthalates continued to be found regularly: 44 of the new studies have detected DEHP, DBP and/or DEP, mostly related to plastic FCMs.

2,4-di-tert-butylphenol is the chemical with the highest number of new database entries, indicating potential human exposure from synthetic antioxidants used in plastics. This chemical has high aquatic toxicity and is currently under assessment for its effects as an endocrine disruptor.

A notable trend in recent studies is the shift towards untargeted chemical analyses. These approaches aim at covering all chemicals that can potentially be transferred from packaging into the food and will provide deeper insights into chemical mixtures migrating from packaging into food.

New features of the dashboard include geographical data pinpointing where tested food-contact articles were purchased, a new filter for the publication year, improved filters for distinguishing between recycled and primary plastic content, and the addition of regenerated cellulose as a new category of FCM.

With this update, the Food Packaging Forum continues to support scientific research and regulatory efforts to assess and mitigate potential human health risks associated with FCCs.

Image credit: iStock.com/Tatiana