Researchers who have discovered thousands of chemical substances in food packaging are calling for plastics to be redesigned to ensure safety
Plastic food packaging. Picture: Getty ImagesFrom yogurt pots and salad trays to cheese slices wrapped in film, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have analyzed the packaging of several food products purchased between winter 2020 and spring 2021, from five countries around the world selected for their high plastic consumption.
The first study reports on harmful substances that can affect hormone secretion and metabolism. “These functions are absolutely vital. Hormones are the body’s messengers. Metabolism is sum of the various processes that enable the body to use nutrients to provide the body with energy and substances it needs to function,” the news release explains.The researchers identified no fewer than 11 such chemical combinations. “These and previous findings show that plastic exposes us to toxic chemicals.The authors of this research are somewhat pessimistic about future discoveries concerning the chemicals present in this type of plastic.
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