Consumer Reports found widespread presence of plastics in food, including phthalates and bisphenol A, despite health risks. The non-profit urges regulators to reassess plastic safety and highlights elevated levels in products like Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli and fast food items. General Mills and some companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
NEW YORK: Consumer Reports has found that plastics retain a “widespread” presence in food despite the health risks, and called on regulators to reassess the safety of plastics that come into contact with food during production.
The non-profit consumer group said on Thursday that 84 out of 85 supermarket foods and fast foods it recently tested contained “plasticizers” known as phthalates, a chemical used to make plastic more durable.
It also said 79% of food samples in its study contained bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical found in plastic, and other bisphenols, though levels were lower than in tests done in 2009.
Consumer Reports said none of the phthalate levels it found exceeded limits set by U.S. and European regulators.
It also said there was no level of phthalates that scientists confirm is safe, but that does not guarantee the safety of foods you eat.
Phthalates and bisphenols can disrupt the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones, potentially boosting the risk of birth defects, cancer, diabetes, infertility, neurodevelopmental disorders, obesity and other health problems.
Among tested supermarket foods, Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli contained the most phthalates in nanograms per serving, 53,579, followed by Del Monte sliced peaches and Chicken of the Sea pink salmon.
Elevated phthalate levels were also found in products such as Cheerios, Gerber baby food and Yoplait yogurt, and several burgers, nuggets and fries from Wendy’s, Burger King and McDonald’s.
Consumer Reports also found variations among similar products. The 33,980 phthalates in nanograms per serving in Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets, for example, was more than four times the level in McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets.
“That tells us that, as widespread as these chemicals are, there are ways to reduce how much is in our foods,” said James Rogers, who oversees Consumer Reports’ product safety testing.
The consumer group said a reassessment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other agencies of the risks of plasticizers is “overdue and essential.”
Polar raspberry lime seltzer was the only tested product containing no phthalates.
General Mills, whose brands include Annie’s, Cheerios and Yoplait, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Burger King and Wendy’s did not immediately respond to similar requests.
Chicken of the Sea and Del Monte said they do not add phthalates to their food, and receive similar assurances from their suppliers. Del Monte also said that phthalates are “widespread in the environment.”
Gerber and McDonald’s said they follow regulatory requirements, and require rigorous testing for chemicals in packaging.
In an increasingly fast-paced and convenience-driven world, the presence of plastics in our food supply has become a growing concern. Recent studies have shed light on the widespread infiltration of plastics into the food we consume, raising serious questions about the potential health impacts. From plastic packaging to food storage containers, these synthetic materials have permeated all aspects of our modern food industry.
One of the key concerns regarding plastics in food is the leaching of harmful chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, into the food and beverages they come into contact with. These chemicals, known for their potential to disrupt hormone production and have adverse effects on human health, have now been found to contaminate a concerning number of food items.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of plastic pollution cannot be overlooked. As single-use plastics continue to dominate the market, the proliferation of plastic waste poses a significant threat to ecosystems and wildlife, ultimately entering our food chain through various pathways.
As consumers, it’s crucial to be cognizant of the presence of plastics in our food and take proactive steps to minimize exposure. Choosing alternative packaging options, utilizing reusable containers, and supporting businesses committed to sustainable practices are just a few ways in which we can contribute to reducing the prevalence of plastics in our food. Additionally, advocating for stricter regulations and industry-wide changes can play a pivotal role in addressing this pressing issue.
Ultimately, the pervasive nature of plastics in our food demands greater awareness and action. By staying informed and actively participating in efforts to mitigate the impact of plastics on our food supply, we can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
Source: ARY NEWS
Summary:
Plastics in food pose health risks due to the presence of phthalates and bisphenol A. Consumer Reports found these chemicals in 84 out of 85 supermarket and fast foods, urging regulators to reassess their safety. While levels were within regulatory limits, the risks of these chemicals remain uncertain. Notable products with high phthalate levels included Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli and Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets. Consumer Reports emphasized the need for a regulatory reassessment, highlighting Polar raspberry lime seltzer as the only product free of phthalates. Companies like General Mills, Burger King, and Wendy’s have yet to comment on the findings.
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