New ‘high safety’ chemicals in plastic food packaging linked to lower birth weight, study finds

A recent study has found that a chemical called Dinch, commonly used in plastic food packaging, may be linked to reduced birth weight and fetal development complications. Despite industry claims that Dinch is a "high safety", non-toxic alternative to phthalate plasticizers, research suggests it may be a hormone disruptor with negative effects on child development.

The analysis, conducted by New York University Langone Health, examined federal US health data on over 6,600 pregnancies and found that higher levels of Dinch exposure in pregnant women increased the risk of their children being classified as "small for gestational age" by up to 27 grams. This reduction in birth weight can potentially lead to serious health issues later in life, such as heart disease, learning difficulties, and obesity.

Previous research has shown that Dinch by-products can interfere with hormones that guide fetal development and trigger inflammation affecting nutrient and oxygen delivery to the baby. While there is a lack of research on Dinch's health risks, evidence suggests it migrates from food packaging into food and that its levels in the EU population have been increasing.

The study's lead author, Leonardo Trasande, called for stronger oversight of chemicals used in food packaging and other household products, emphasizing the need for proper testing before introducing such chemicals to the market. Women can reduce their exposure by opting for plastic-free products and choosing food packaged in glass, as well as using glass or wood storage and utensils in the kitchen.