Consumer Reports found that plastics remained “widespread” in food and urged regulators to re-assess the safety of plastics coming into contact with food during production, Reuters reported.
The non-profit consumer group claimed on Thursday that 84 out of 85 recently tested supermarket food and fast-food products contain “plasticisers” known as phthalates. This chemical is used to make plastic more durable.
It also stated that 79 per cent of the food samples in its study contained bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical found in plastic, as well as other bisphenols, although the levels were lower than in tests carried out in 2009.
The group reports that none of the levels of phthalates detected exceeded the limits set by US and European regulators. However, this does not guarantee food safety. It also argues that there is no level of phthalates that scientists consider safe.
Phthalates and bisphenols are dangerous as they can interfere with the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones, potentially increasing the risk of birth defects, cancer, diabetes, infertility, neurodevelopmental disorders, obesity and other health problems.
Among the supermarket products tested, Annie’s Organic Cheese Ravioli contained the most phthalates in nanograms per serving: 53,579. They were followed by Del Monte sliced peaches and Chicken of the Sea pink salmon.
Elevated levels of phthalates have also been found in products such as Cheerios, Gerber baby food and Yoplait yoghurt, as well as in some hamburgers, nuggets and fries from Wendy’s, Burger King and McDonald’s.
James Rogers, who oversees Consumer Reports’ product safety testing, also found differences between similar products. For instance, the 33,980 nanograms of phthalates per serving in Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets 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.
Consumer Reports declared that a reassessment by the US Food and Drug Administration and other agencies of the risks associated with plasticisers was “overdue and necessary”. Polar Raspberry Lime Seltzer Water was the only phthalate-free product tested.
Chicken of the Sea (TU.BK) and Del Monte claimed they do not add phthalates to their food and receive similar assurances from their suppliers. Del Monte also reported that phthalates were “widespread in the environment.” The other companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
