According to recent studies, what we eat is bad for us: here’s what the data says and why it’s so worrying for researchers.
Recent studies conducted by Consumer Reports have raised serious concerns regarding the widespread presence of plastic in food, highlighting potential health risks. The non-profit consumer association analyzed 85 foods from supermarkets and fast food outlets. And they discovered that 79% of them contained phthalates, known plasticizers, while 84% had the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols.
I Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic more resistantWhile BPA is commonly found in food packaging. Consumer Reports found that while levels of these substances do not exceed U.S. and European standards, food safety is uncertain. This is because there is no level of phthalates recognized as completely safe.
Alarming data, what are the risks
The main concern is related to the harmful effects of phthalates and bisphenols on human health. These chemicals they can interfere with the production and regulation of hormones, such as estrogen. They can increase the risk of birth defects, cancer, diabetes, infertility, neurodevelopmental disorders, obesity and other health problems. The discovery of such substances in a wide range of foods raises questions about the overall safety of the food chain.
Studies highlight that many fast food foods are harmful – Biopianeta.it
Among the foods testedAnnie’s Organic Cheese Ravioli, Del Monte Sliced Peaches and Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon contained high levels of phthalates. Surprisingly, even seemingly harmless products like Cheerios, Gerber baby food and Yoplait yogurt contained them. And more burgers, croquettes and chips from well-known fast food restaurants such as Wendy’s, Burger King and McDonald’s, contained significant quantities of these substances.
Additionally, Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets had more than four times the level of phthalates found in McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. This variability highlights the need for increased regulation and oversight in the food industry to ensure consumer safety.
The response from well-known companies
James Rogers, supervisor of product safety testing at Consumer Reports, pointed out that despite the widespread presence of these chemicals in foods, there are opportunities to reduce their quantities. This invites regulators to reevaluate the safety of plastics used in food production processes.
Some companies mentioned in the report, such as General Mills, Burger King and Wendy’s, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, it is essential that food companies respond promptly and collaborate to address this growing problem. Del Monte and Chicken of the Sea emphasized that they do not add phthalates to their foods, but the presence of these substances is still widespread in the environment.
Gerber and McDonald’s said they strictly follow regulatory requirements and undergo rigorous testing to ensure the safety of chemicals in their packaging. These statements highlight the need for one greater transparency and accountability in the food industry. Not only must we protect the health of consumers but also to maintain public trust in food products.
2024-01-09 05:00:16
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