Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
NewsContamination ControlChemical

Chemical Hazards in Circular Food Systems

By Bailee Henderson
crops in soil
June 13, 2022

Chemical hazards that are present in the environment and agriculture may contaminate food in a circular economy, according to a recent literature review. The researchers who conducted the review emphasize the importance of identifying potential food hazards that may accumulate in a circular food economy and taking precautionary measures to prevent public health risks. 

Since the goal of transitioning toward sustainable food systems that minimize waste is increasingly urgent, the review was conducted to identify potential hazardous resources that are used in agriculture, horticulture, and animal feed that may contaminate the food supply in a circular economy. The review identified heavy metals, as well as human and veterinary pharmaceutical and personal care products, as the greatest source of chemical contamination risk in a circular food economy. Poultry manure, in particular, was found to be a vehicle for veterinary medicine residues in soil. Biosolids were also identified as a source of pharmaceuticals and personal care products found in agricultural soil; the accumulation of such contaminants may affect plant uptake. 

The review notes that most of the existing information on the presence of hazards in industrial sewage sludge is related to heavy metals and organic contaminants that require control measures to prevent soil contamination. The authors highlight the need to develop an affordable, environmentally friendly recycling technology that can remove metals from industrial sludge so that the waste can be used as fertilizer without posing a risk to food safety. The review also mentions that some of the metals found in sludge are beneficial to plant and human health—such as zinc, copper, and nickel—in appropriate concentrations. Further research is required to establish the relationship between the levels of dietary minerals in soil and crops to determine safe levels for application of sludge and manure in agriculture and horticulture, as well as to achieve high-quality compost that ensures food safety. 

Although limited research exists on the chemical hazards posed by the reuse of crop residues and biochar in agriculture, the review was able to determine that many chemical hazards may migrate into the edible parts of plants. The review also found that, when crop residues are directly applied as soil fertilizer, chemical hazards that are present in the crop residues may accumulate in the soil and crops grown in the soil. However, the use of crop residues in the form of biochar may decrease the hazards that are present in the treated soil. The main hazards associated with the use of crop residues are heavy metals and pesticides, as well as mycotoxins in cereals and plant toxins in legumes and potatoes.  Although preliminary research shows that counter measures can be taken to effectively reduce the food safety risks of using crop residues in agriculture, further research is required to fill the knowledge gaps related to the levels of food safety hazards in crop residues, the persistence of such hazards, their accumulation in the soil, and their subsequent transfer to crops.

Additionally, while there is limited research that exists regarding chemical hazards in byproducts used as animal feed, the review found that a variety of chemical hazards can be present in both plant- and animal-based byproducts. The authors state that, in general, chemical hazards may be present at higher levels in byproducts than in raw products. Some byproducts that may potentially contain high levels of chemical hazards are fish meal and oil, and feathers or eggs from laying hens that are treated with antibiotics.


KEYWORDS: chemicals circular food economy contamination food waste sustainable farming

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Baileehendersonmay23

Bailee Henderson is the Digital Editor of Food Safety Magazine. She can be reached at hendersonb@bnpmedia.com.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Microbiological
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Personal Hygiene/Handwashing
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    Management
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • mold
    Sponsored byIFC

    Tackling Mold Remediation in Food Processing Plants

  • a worker in a food processing plant
    Sponsored byLPS® DETEX®

    How a Beverage Facility Improved Food Safety and Compliance with Detectable Packaging Solutions

  • Two men standing in a produce storage facility having a discussion.
    Sponsored byOrkin Commercial

    Staying Compliant With FSMA

Popular Stories

sunflower oil

Louisiana Passes ‘MAHA’ Bill Targeting More Than 40 Ingredients, Including Seed Oils, Dyes, Sweeteners

smoked salmon in oil

Study Shows Food Type Significantly Affects Listeria’s Ability to Survive Digestion, Cause Sickness

Justin Ransom and Denise Eblen

USDA-FSIS Announces Dr. Justin Ransom as New Administrator

Events

July 15, 2025

Hygienic Design Risk Management: Industry Challenges and Global Insights

Live: July 15, 2025 at 11:00 am EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn the importance of hygienic design to ensure food safety and sanitation effectiveness.

July 22, 2025

Beyond the Binder: Digital Management of Food Safety

Live: July 22, 2025 at 3:00 pm EDT: During this webinar, attendees will learn best practices for the use of digital food safety management systems across industry and regulatory agencies.

August 7, 2025

Achieve Active Managerial Control of Major Risk Factors Using a Food Safety Management System

Live: August 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn about changes to the FDA Food Code, which now includes a requirement for FSMS. 

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • digital illustration of a globe growing off a branch like fruit

    FAO Illustrates Approach to Ensuring Food Safety While Moving Toward Circular Agri-Food Systems

    See More
  • Industrial Chemical Systems Threat Mitigation—An Important Element in Food Defense

    See More
  • woman working at factory

    Balancing Chemical and Biological Hazards With the Help of APAs to Safeguard Food Quality

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 1119258073.jpg

    FSMA and Food Safety Systems: Understanding and Implementing the Rules

  • 9781138070912.jpg

    Trends in Food Safety and Protection

  • 1119237963.jpg

    Food Safety in China: Science, Technology, Management and Regulation

See More Products

Related Directories

  • Computerway Food Systems

    Computerway Food Systems is a world leader in integrated plant floor and enterprise-level information systems designed specifically for food manufacturing, and processing operations. Incorporated in 1986, Computerway modules include precise Recall and Traceability, real-time Production Control, accurate and aged Inventory of products and packaging, and scanned Shipping and Receiving operations.
  • North American Chemical Residue Workshop

    NACRW) formerly the Florida Pesticide Residue Workshop conducts an annual meeting for scientists particularly interested in trace level analysis of pesticides, veterinary drug residues, and other chemicals in food, animal feed, and environmental samples. The purpose of the meeting is to provide training, develop and improve technical knowledge, facilitate development and distribution of new analysis methods and techniques, and establish networking to promote professional cooperation between scientists of these interests.
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing