Detection of BPA and Other Organic Contaminents in Canned Mushrooms and Olives

Abstract

Canning of food is a famous practice as they increases the shelf life of a food as compared to the food that is packed in other packing materials. The reason epoxy resin is used for inner coating of metal cans is because it gives flexibility to the metal cans, it adheres to the metal surface and is good corrosion resistant. It contains BPA, BADGE, BPS, and BPS. BPA is dangerous for human health. BPA exposure leads to endocrine disruption carcinogenicity (breast, prostate, testicular), and hormonal and cognitive disorders. The objectives of this study were identification of the presence of BPA in canned mushrooms and canned olives and the identification of the presence of other contaminants in samples. The samples were collected from major departmental stores in Islamabad, Pakistan. The FTIR analysis of canned mushroom supported the presence of BPA. However, the olive sample spectrum did not correspond with the BPA reference spectrum but showed a presence of an Organophosphorus compound (P-C group). Its major source is a pesticide that is used on crops in the agricultural sector from which Organophosphorus migrates in the human body after consumption of contaminated vegetables. This study concludes the relationship of the presence of BPA in canned food is highly dependent on the nature and physical structure of the containing material. This study also pointed out that the migration of harmful chemicals that enter the human body and cause adverse health impacts. It is recommended that food and health regulatory authorities should carry out continuous monitoring and regulatory analysis of BPA and other chemicals regarding canned food and introduce safe alternative packaging materials. To prevent organophosphorus contamination of foodstuff integrated pest management should be established to avoid the use of harmful pesticides. It is recommended that further research in the respective domain of Pakistan should be carried out to develop a proper and impactful understanding.