In an article published on March 16, 2015 by the news provider Food Production Daily (FPD), journalist Jenny Eagle reports on the issue of phthalates in food. The topic was among those discussed during the Food Packaging Migration forum organized by the FPD (FPF reported). Tom Neltner, an independent attorney in the U.S., referred to a study by Sathyanarayana and colleagues from the University of Washington, U.S. (FPF reported). The study showed that neither expert recommendations nor dietary intervention led to significant reduction of exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) from food contact materials. Study participants in the group that received catered fresh foods had increased BPA and diethylhexyl phthalate (CAS 117-81-7) levels during the dietary intervention phase compared to levels before and after. Neltner explained that coriander and dairy products, often used by the chef preparing the meals, were a source of phthalate contamination. The study demonstrated that it is very difficult for consumers to control their phthalate exposure. Neltner therefore calls for a “systematic regulatory way” of getting what is used in food under control.
Read more
Jenny Eagle (March 16, 2015). “Food Packaging Migration forum highlights study where coriander is a source of phthalates.” Food Production Daily
Reference
Sathyanarayana, S. et al. (2013). “Unexpected results in a randomized dietary trial to reduce phthalate and bisphenol A exposures.” Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology 23, 378-384.
