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.