Chemical Contamination Pathways and the Food Safety Implications along the Various Stages of Food Production: A Review

Kgomotso Lebelo, Ntsoaki Malebo, Mokgaotsa Jonas Mochane and Muthoni Masinde
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Kgomotso Lebelo: Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Technology, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
Ntsoaki Malebo: Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Technology, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
Mokgaotsa Jonas Mochane: Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Technology, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
Muthoni Masinde: Centre for Sustainable SMART Cities, Central University of Technology, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-23

Abstract: Historically, chemicals exceeding maximum allowable exposure levels have been disastrous to underdeveloped countries. The global food industry is primarily affected by toxic chemical substances because of natural and anthropogenic factors. Food safety is therefore threatened due to contamination by chemicals throughout the various stages of food production. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the form of pesticides and other chemical substances such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) have a widely documented negative impact due to their long-lasting effect on the environment. This present review focuses on the chemical contamination pathways along the various stages of food production until the food reaches the consumer. The contamination of food can stem from various sources such as the agricultural sector and pollution from industrialized regions through the air, water, and soil. Therefore, it is imperative to control the application of chemicals during food packaging, the application of pesticides, and antibiotics in the food industry to prevent undesired residues on foodstuffs. Ultimately, the protection of consumers from food-related chemical toxicity depends on stringent efforts from regulatory authorities both in developed and underdeveloped nations.

Keywords: food safety; heavy metals; persistent organic pollutants; regulatory strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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