BPA replacements in food packaging may disrupt key ovarian cell functions
Chemicals used to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging have been found to have potentially harmful effects on human ovarian cells, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at McGill University.
The study, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, focused on several chemicals commonly used in price stickers on packaged meat, fish, cheese, and produce. The researchers discovered early signs of potential toxicity, raising concerns about the safety of BPA-free packaging and the adequacy of current regulations in protecting consumers.
The research was initiated following a 2023 discovery by Stéphane Bayen, an Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, that label-printing chemicals like bisphenol S (BPS) were leaching through plastic wrap into food. Collaborating with colleagues in reproductive toxicology, the team investigated the effects of these substances on human ovarian cells.
Lab-grown human ovarian cells were exposed to four commonly used BPA substitutes: TGSA, D-8, PF-201, and BPS. The study revealed that several of these chemicals, particularly TGSA and D-8, led to a buildup of fat droplets in the cells and altered the activity of genes responsible for cell growth and DNA repair.
Bernard Robaire, co-senior author of the study and James McGill Professor in Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, emphasized the significance of these findings. While the disruption of cellular functions does not definitively prove harm in humans, it serves as a strong indicator that further investigation into these chemicals is warranted.
BPA is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been associated with fertility issues, early development problems, and metabolic disturbances. Despite restrictions on BPA in certain products, many of the chemicals used as replacements are not adequately regulated or tested. Robaire highlighted the misleading nature of “BPA-free” labels, as they often involve swapping one bisphenol for another without sufficient safety evaluation.
In response to the study’s findings, Health Canada has added all four substances to a list of chemicals requiring further investigation. Robaire recommended that consumers remove labels and plastic wrap from fresh foods before storage and opt for items from the top of store display piles to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
For those interested in more information, the study titled “High-content imaging and transcriptomic analyses of the effects of bisphenol S and alternative color developers on KGN granulosa cells” can be accessed in Toxicological Sciences. The study was conducted by Lama Iskandarani et al. and can be found with DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf096.
This study underscores the importance of thoroughly evaluating BPA alternatives before widespread adoption to ensure consumer safety. As research continues to uncover potential risks associated with these chemicals, it becomes imperative to prioritize the health and well-being of individuals in the development and regulation of food packaging materials.
