Emerging Contaminants in Food Systems and Their Impact on Human Health

Abstract

Emerging contaminants in food systems, including microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have become a growing concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and potential health impacts. This study evaluates their presence and implications for human health by synthesizing recent evidence on contamination sources, food chain transfer, toxicological mechanisms, and combined exposure risks. A qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach was applied to analyze peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025. The findings indicate that these contaminants enter food systems through environmental pathways and accumulate through bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, leading to continuous dietary exposure. Toxicological effects are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disruption, with potential additive or synergistic interactions. The study highlights limitations in traditional risk assessment approaches and emphasizes the need for integrative frameworks that account for mixture effects and exposure variability to improve food safety evaluation