New analysis rises concerns over bisphenols in pizza boxes
A recent investigation by Öko Test, a German consumer magazine, has revealed significant contamination of pizza boxes with harmful chemicals, specifically bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS). The study tested ten pizza boxes sourced from both popular delivery chains and wholesalers, uncovering that nearly all contained these bisphenols, which often leached into the pizza itself.
BPA and BPS are industrial chemicals known for their endocrine-disrupting properties and potential health risks, including reproductive toxicity and an increased risk of various health issues. Although the European Union banned these substances in food packaging starting January 2025, the regulation currently does not extend to paper products, which often contain recycled materials that introduce these chemicals unintentionally. This contamination stems from thermal papers (like receipts) which contaminate the wastepaper stream. While some manufacturers have shifted to using fresh fibers to avoid this issue, many still rely on recycled materials, perpetuating the problem.
The lab simulations conducted during the study showed that BPA and BPS can migrate from the pizza boxes into the food, with BPA levels exceeding the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) recommended daily intake limit (TDI) by a staggering 45 000% when a whole pizza was consumed by a 60 kilogram person.
In 2023, EFSA significantly lowered the TDI for BPA, reflecting new findings on its immunological effects. Conversely, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) considers the risks of BPA to be lower. About BPS, there is currently no established TDI due to limited research; however, the BfR suggests that the same daily limits applied to BPA should also be considered for BPS, given their similar effects.
Öko Test emphasizes the urgent need for regulations governing the safety of paper products used in food packaging. As an alternative, they recommend the use of reusable plastic pizza boxes, which could significantly reduce chemical contamination and environmental waste. The EU is currently discussing measures to monitor and address these risks, highlighting a growing awareness of the issue.
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