Microplastics, PFAS, and Pharmaceutical Residues as Emerging Contaminants in the Global Food Chain

Abstract

Emerging chemical contaminants, including microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and pharmaceutical residues, pose escalating, multi-pathway threats to global food security. Their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and association with significant human health risks demand urgent attention. This chapter synthesizes critical findings on contaminant entry routes into the food chain spanning industrial discharge, agricultural practices, environmental runoff, food packaging, and wastewater reuse, revealing complex exposure pathways across diverse food commodities. Crucially, it underscores the indispensable role of advanced analytical methodologies, particularly mass spectrometry and chromatography, in detecting and quantifying these complex contaminants within food matrices. The evaluation exposes significant limitations in current mitigation strategies and regulatory frameworks, highlighting pervasive knowledge gaps. The analysis culminates in advocating for proactive, integrated food safety governance policies that bridge scientific understanding, strengthen regulatory harmonization, drive technological innovation, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. These recommendations are crucial for developing resilient food systems against emerging chemical threats.