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VOL. 12, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Chemical contaminants, environment, and food safety: Integrating global science, law, and policy for a sustainable future
Authors
Sheena Das N M, Dr. V R Dinkar
Abstract
Chemical contaminants in food systems have emerged as a major global
public health and environmental concern. Substances such as per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics
persist across ecosystems and accumulate through the food chain, posing
long-term risks to human health. This paper examines the effectiveness of
current international and national frameworks in managing these emerging
hazards, with an emphasis on the interconnections between environmental protection
and food safety. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature, including World
Health Organization (WHO) risk models, European Union (EU) precautionary
principles, and India’s Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), the study employs
a doctrinal–empirical synthesis to integrate scientific evidence with legal
governance. Comparative analysis reveals that while the European Union leads
with precautionary and transparent policies under REACH and EFSA, the United
States and India continue to rely on reactive or fragmented regulatory systems.
Judicial developments in India reflect a growing recognition of the
constitutional right to safe food and a healthy environment. The paper
concludes that sustainable food safety requires a One Health framework linking
environmental law, food governance, and public health, alongside transparent
risk communication and cross-sectoral cooperation.
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Pages:48-53
How to cite this article:
Sheena Das N M, Dr. V R Dinkar "Chemical contaminants, environment, and food safety: Integrating global science, law, and policy for a sustainable future". International Journal of Law, Vol 12, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 48-53
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