Review of Recent Issues in Food Safety of Packaging Materials : Regulatory Concerns and Scientific Findings

The food packaging industry plays a critical role in ensuring food safety, extending shelf life, and enhancing convenience. However, as the industry has developed, concerns have emerged regarding the safety of packaging materials and their impact on human health. This has led to scientific investigations and regulatory actions, particularly concerning the migration of chemicals from packaging into food. New materials like biodegradable plastics and nanomaterials have introduced additional complexity, raising questions about their long-term safety and the environmental impact. Regulatory bodies worldwide have established frameworks to reduce health risks, but challenges remain due to regional differences in regulations and emerging technologies. Key safety concerns include the migration of harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from packaging to food, as well as the potential ingestion of microplastics. Major countries, including the EU, the US, and Korea, have strengthened regulations to control these risks, focusing on harmful substances and promote environmentally friendly packaging options. Scientific research has played a critical role in understanding the mechanisms of chemical migration and the health effects of these substances, particularly their impact on the endocrine system and absorption by the human body. This paper explores six key areas of food packaging safety, reviews the trends in regulations and scientific studies addressing these ongoing concerns.