Current and emerging issues in chemical food safety

Abstract

Food safety is increasingly influenced by global challenges, such as climate change, environmental pollution, the shift toward plant-based diets, and new technological developments. This review addresses key issues currently shaping chemical food safety, focusing on natural toxins in plant-based foods, the effects of climate change on food safety, and the role of endogenous compound formation in exposure assessments. The review also discusses the growing concern over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and nanomaterials and examines advances in risk assessment, particularly the adoption of new approach methodologies (NAMs) and the integration of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence. These topics underscore the need for updated risk assessment practices and offer insights into how food safety standards and regulations might evolve in response to these emerging challenges.