Chemical Safety and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Biodegradable and Edible films for Food Applications

In the food industry, biodegradable and edible films have become viable substitutes for traditional plastic packaging. Although their advantages for the environment are widely known, worries about their chemical safety and possible toxicological hazards have grown in importance. With an emphasis on the consequences for human health, this review critically evaluates recent research (2020–2025) on the migration of chemicals from these films into food matrices. We examine the kinds of chemicals that migrate, the variables affecting migration rates, and the risk assessment techniques used. Regulatory frameworks and the necessity of standardized testing procedures to guarantee consumer safety are also covered in the review. In order to guide future advancements in food packaging materials, this paper attempts to provide a thorough understanding of the safety profile of edible and biodegradable films by synthesizing existing research.