By Faridat Salifu
A new global assessment has found that synthetic chemicals widely used in the food system are creating a massive economic and health burden, costing societies up to $2.2 trillion annually and posing serious risks to human health and ecosystems.
The report on Invisible Ingredients: Tackling Toxic Chemicals in the Food System — produced by Systemiq with support from environmental and public health researchers — identifies four major groups of synthetic compounds routinely used in food production, processing and packaging: phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides and PFAS “forever chemicals.”
These chemicals are linked to increased rates of cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental disorders and infertility.
According to the report, the health care costs and economic losses associated with chronic diseases driven by chemical exposure amount to as much as $2.2 trillion a year — roughly equivalent to the combined profits of the world’s 100 largest publicly listed companies.
Even a limited accounting of damage to ecosystems, food production and water treatment adds an additional $640 billion annually.
Researchers highlight the paradox at the heart of modern agriculture: chemicals that boost short‑term productivity are creating long‑term burdens on health systems, economies and the environment.
Phthalates and bisphenols, often found in food packaging and plastic materials, are among the most prevalent, while pesticides and PFAS chemicals contaminate soil, water and food chains.
Scientists warn that exposure to endocrine‑disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols and phthalates could have even broader demographic consequences.
The report suggests that if current exposure levels persist, there could be between 200 million and 700 million fewer births globally between 2025 and 2100.
The assessment underscores the lack of comprehensive regulation for industrial chemicals compared with other widely controlled substances, such as pharmaceuticals.
Chemical production has surged since the mid‑20th century, and more than 350,000 synthetic chemicals are now in circulation worldwide — many of which lack thorough safety testing before use.
The authors argue that reducing reliance on harmful synthetic chemicals, redesigning production and packaging systems, and adopting safer alternatives could save trillions in health and environmental costs while protecting the foundations of global food systems.