London, December 13, 2025
A new global report reveals synthetic chemicals in the food system—including phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and PFAS—are responsible for an estimated $2.2 trillion in annual health costs worldwide, creating a profound economic and public health crisis. This urgent issue affects vulnerable populations and demands immediate regulatory attention.
Synthetic Chemicals and Their Health Impact
Four groups of toxic chemicals prevalent in the global food supply contribute significantly to widespread health problems. Phthalates and bisphenols are commonly used in plastic food packaging and containers, pesticides persist as residues on produce, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” contaminate food processing aids and packaging. These substances enter the human body primarily through food contact materials, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and environmental pathways.
The health burdens linked to these chemicals are extensive and severe. They have been associated with endocrine disruption, various cancers, reproductive health issues, obesity, diabetes, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Children and pregnant women face the highest risks due to their greater vulnerability to toxic exposures.
Historical Context and Supporting Evidence
These findings align with earlier research underscoring the economic toll of plastic-associated chemicals. For instance, in 2015 alone, plastic-derived substances such as PBDEs, BPA, and DEHP resulted in over $250 billion in global health costs; U.S. health costs linked to these chemicals reached approximately $920 billion. The role of synthetic food contaminants as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is particularly critical, as they interfere with hormone function, contributing to infertility, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairments. Additionally, contamination from microplastics may carry pathogens, posing further health threats.
A recent May 2025 Nature Medicine review further emphasizes the food chain as a primary vector for exposure to these harmful chemicals. The review calls for decisive policy changes, including bans on hazardous substances and adoption of safer food packaging alternatives.
Economic Scale and Policy Implications
The staggering $2.2 trillion annual health cost far exceeds the health budgets of many countries, highlighting a systemic failure in managing chemical safety within food systems. This financial burden reflects direct healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and long-term societal costs associated with disease and disability caused by these exposures.
Such figures emphasize the urgent need for robust regulatory reforms targeting food packaging materials, pesticide use, and chemical contaminants in food production. Substituting hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives and implementing innovation in packaging and processing technologies could mitigate these risks.
Environmental Justice and Vulnerable Populations
The report also raises critical environmental justice concerns. Disproportionate exposure and harm experienced by children, pregnant women, and marginalized communities underscore the equity dimensions of this issue. Effective policies must integrate protections for these vulnerable groups to ensure equitable health outcomes.
Addressing this multifaceted crisis requires coordinated action by policymakers, industry stakeholders, and global health authorities, reinforcing chemical safety as a fundamental aspect of food system sustainability and public health protection.