New Analysis Uncovers Cancer Risks in Approved Food Additives
Recent scientific review identifies 25 chemicals associated with cancer that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to permit in U.S. food production. Among these, eight qualify as known human carcinogens, while 17 are considered reasonably anticipated to cause cancer based on extensive evidence.
The findings highlight ongoing concerns about the FDA’s application of the Delaney Clause, a 1958 law mandating the prohibition of any food or color additive proven to induce cancer in humans or animals. This clause enforces a zero-tolerance policy, disallowing approval of such substances irrespective of dosage or benefits.
Chemicals in Food Contact Materials and Processing
Several of these substances, including formaldehyde, asbestos, benzene, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene, persist in the food supply chain. Although not typically added directly to food, they appear in packaging, processing equipment, and industrial aids that interact with edibles. Applications span adhesives, coatings, paper products, rubber components, and plastics.
These chemicals also enter the food chain via processes like coffee decaffeination, extraction of spices and hops, modification of food starches, flavor production, chewing gum bases, and color additives from sources such as paprika, annatto, and turmeric oleoresins.
Maria Doa, PhD, Senior Director of Chemicals Policy at a leading environmental advocacy organization, states that none of these chemicals receive approval as direct food or color additives in the European Union. ‘Any chemicals not on the EU’s approved list are effectively prohibited, and their presence would be considered contamination rather than authorized use,’ she explains.
Established Scientific Classifications
Classifications draw from evaluations by authoritative bodies like the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Known human carcinogens demonstrate clear evidence of cancer causation in people, whereas reasonably anticipated carcinogens show robust links from animal studies or biological mechanisms. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has assessed many of these as well.
Evidence for these chemicals solidified decades ago, with some approvals over 50 years old. For instance, methylene chloride, used in coffee decaffeination, last underwent FDA review in the 1980s. Given the Delaney Clause’s strict standards, no additional proof is required for removal; enforcement of current law suffices.
‘The FDA possesses the authority to eliminate these carcinogens from the food supply right away,’ Doa asserts. ‘The agency opts to maintain their approval, permitting continued exposure.’
FDA’s Response and Review Process
A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates that the FDA cannot verify third-party data independently. However, the agency has initiated a comprehensive post-market review for existing food chemicals and additives. This includes proposed reforms to the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) framework.
The enhanced program employs evidence-based prioritization and thorough safety assessments to confirm compliance with standards, leading to revocation of authorizations as needed.
Specific Carcinogens and Health Impacts
Known human carcinogens encompass asbestos, benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, sodium chromate, trichloroethylene, and zinc chromate. These connect to serious conditions like lung cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos appears in select adhesives, rubber articles, and resins for food manufacturing. Benzene features in modified hop extracts and adhesives, while ethylene oxide treats paper and paperboard for food contact. Formaldehyde integrates into defoaming agents, adhesives, glues, and paper for dry or fatty foods.
Reasonably anticipated carcinogens include methylene chloride, 1,4-dioxane, acrylamide, chloroform, chloroprene, epichlorohydrin, dimethyl sulfate, ethylene dichloride, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), p-dichlorobenzene, styrene, chloral hydrate, and 1,2,3-trichloropropane. They occur in plastics, coatings, lubricants, rubber, and paper for food applications, with some directly in processing.
Methylene chloride, for example, persists in decaffeinated coffee, spice oleoresins, and color diluents, despite ties to cancer, liver damage, neurological effects, and fatalities at elevated levels. Acrylamide modifies starches and resins, while 1,4-dioxane and chloroform appear in adhesives and plastics.
Exposure Concerns and Cumulative Risks
Even residual limits allow migration into food during actual use, exposing consumers and workers repeatedly. ‘Even if a single chemical exhibits low potency on its own, exposure levels might surpass those of stronger carcinogens,’ Doa notes.
The FDA faces gaps in data on real-world exposure patterns, complicating precise risk calculations. Moreover, these substances do not occur alone; constant environmental presence compounds effects. ‘Over time, these small exposures accumulate, gradually impacting health and elevating cancer risk,’ Doa adds.
