Assessing the Migration of BPA and Phthalic Acid from Take-out Food Containers: Implications for Health and Environmental Sustainability in India

Sugata Datta; Abhishek Chauhan; Anuj Ranjan; Abul Hasan Sardar; Hardeep Singh Tuli; Seema Ramniwas; Moyad Shahwan; Tanu Jindal

doi:10.18006/2023.11(6).964.975

Authors

Sugata Datta Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida Campus, U.P., India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0090-4917
Abhishek Chauhan Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida, U.P., India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6475-1266
Anuj Ranjan Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida, U.P., India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2592-9716
Abul Hasan Sardar University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India
Hardeep Singh Tuli Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1155-0094
Seema Ramniwas University Centre for Research & Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
Moyad Shahwan Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8367-4841
Tanu Jindal Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-On-Don, Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7932-0503

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18006/2023.11(6).964.975

Keywords:

Take-out foods, Plastic packaging, Bisphenol A, Phthalic acid, Health risks

Abstract

The research investigates the escalating consumption of take-out food in India and the associated health risks stemming from the extensive use of plastic packaging. Through a comprehensive nationwide online survey, the study delved into dietary preferences, frequency of take-out food consumption, delivery service timing, and the types of packaging commonly encountered by Indian consumers. To address these concerns, the research team developed an analytical method to detect Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalic acid migration from food-contact materials (FCMs) into various food simulants. The investigation revealed that prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures led to increased migration of BPA and Phthalic acid, particularly in polyethylene pouches using 3% acetic acid as a food simulant, with the highest concentrations observed after 45 minutes of exposure. Additionally, a microbial bioassay demonstrated the mutagenic potential of migrated plasticizers, showcasing significant effects in mammalian systems, particularly under metabolic activation. The study underscores the substantial health risks associated with plastic packaging in take-out food, emphasizing potential implications for consumer health and calling for more extensive research and considerations regarding food packaging materials.

Author Biographies

Sugata Datta, Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida Campus, U.P., India

University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India

Anuj Ranjan, Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida, U.P., India

Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-On-Don, Russia

Moyad Shahwan, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates

Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates

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