While consumers often rely on sell-by dates to determine food safety, experts are increasingly concerned about the chemical composition of the packaging itself. A significant number of chemicals—estimated at over 15,000—are authorized for use in food contact materials, including containers, pouches, and cans. Among the substances of concern are phthalates, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known to migrate from packaging into the food stored within.

Specific attention has been directed toward baby food pouches, which are identified as carrying a higher risk of chemical exposure for infants. The issue stems from the fact that these chemicals are not always intentionally added to the packaging but can be byproducts or additives used in the manufacturing process. Currently, the regulatory landscape does not mandate that manufacturers disclose the presence of these substances on product labels. Consequently, consumers have no clear way to identify which products might pose a higher risk of chemical leaching. While the industry maintains that current packaging meets existing safety standards, health advocates argue that the long-term cumulative effects of exposure to these migrating chemicals remain under-researched and potentially harmful to human health.