In a recent study, Consumer Reports has highlighted the prevalent use of plastics in food items, raising concerns about the health risks associated with exposure to plasticizers. The non-profit consumer group called for regulatory bodies to reevaluate the safety of plastics used in food production.
The study, conducted by Consumer Reports, revealed that 84 out of 85 tested supermarket foods and fast foods contained plasticizers known as phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to enhance the durability of plastic. Additionally, 79% of the food samples in the study contained bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols, though at lower levels than observed in tests conducted in 2009.
While none of the phthalate levels exceeded current regulatory limits set by U.S. and European authorities, Consumer Reports emphasized that there is no confirmed safe level for phthalates, raising concerns about the safety of the food supply.
Phthalates and bisphenols have been linked to disruptions in hormone production and regulation, potentially increasing the risk of various health issues such as birth defects, cancer, diabetes, infertility, neurodevelopmental disorders, and obesity.
Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli, Del Monte sliced peaches, and Chicken of the Sea pink salmon were found to have elevated phthalate levels in the study. Other products, including Cheerios, Gerber baby food, and Yoplait yogurt, as well as items from Wendy’s, Burger King, and McDonald’s, also showed varying levels of phthalates.
Consumer Reports emphasized that there are notable differences in phthalate levels among similar products, indicating that measures can be taken to reduce the presence of these chemicals in food items.
James Rogers, overseeing Consumer Reports’ product safety testing, stated, “That tells us that, as widespread as these chemicals are, there are ways to reduce how much is in our foods.”
The consumer group called for an overdue and essential reassessment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies regarding the risks associated with plasticizers.
Notably, Polar raspberry lime seltzer was the only product in the study found to contain no phthalates.
Major brands implicated in the study, including General Mills (Annie’s, Cheerios, Yoplait), Burger King, Wendy’s, Chicken of the Sea, and Del Monte, have not immediately responded to requests for comments. However, Gerber and McDonald’s stated that they adhere to regulatory requirements and conduct rigorous testing for chemicals in packaging.
