The link between ultra-processed foods and health problems such as obesity and chronic diseases has long been debated. A new review article published in Nature Medicine suggests that the migration of toxic synthetic chemicals from packaging, processing equipment, and other sources into these foods is a significant contributor to this issue.
According to the authors, the more processed a foodstuff is, the greater its burden of synthetic chemicals. Ultra-processed foods like candies, hot dogs, and packaged soups contain many added ingredients not found in home kitchens, such as stabilizers and added colors and flavors.
These chemicals can leach into foods during production, storage, and heating, posing health risks to consumers. Studies have shown that even the “normal” use of plastic materials in contact with food can contaminate these products.
Research indicates that synthetic chemicals found in ultra-processed foods are also prevalent in drinking water and other sources. The US population has been found to contain PFAS in their blood, with microplastics accumulating in every part of the body.
The economic cost of disease attributed to plastic-related chemical exposure in the US was estimated at $249 billion in 2018. A review of existing data highlights shortcomings in chemical risk assessment and management, which may contribute to the prevalence of chronic diseases linked to synthetic chemicals.
Experts call for urgent updates to testing food contact materials and reductions in direct food additives. They propose a post-market review of food contact chemicals with a focus on removing hazardous substances known to damage human health.
Source: https://www.thenewlede.org/2025/05/chemical-exposure-from-ultra-processed-foods-may-contribute-to-health-issues