An investigation conducted by Consumer Reports magazine revealed that many foods and drinks contain a high percentage of plastic chemicals linked to an increased risk of many health problems, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are common chemicals in plastic foods and drinks. Although they help facilitate the packaging of food, these chemicals pose a health risk.
For example, but not limited to, bisphenol A and phthalates can cause thyroid dysfunction, they may also cause other health problems such as infertility, some types of cancer, problems with the immune system, and metabolic disorders.
Also, recent research published in PLOS One found evidence that children with autism or young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may not remove bisphenol A from their bodies efficiently, and it may be a factor in the development of these conditions. Health news.
Levels of chemicals in food
To determine the amount of chemicals found in food and everyday foods, Consumer Reports tested 85 foods in different packages for the presence of BPA, phthalates, and phthalate substitutes.
Accordingly, the team found high levels of phthalates in most of the foods tested, including organic products.
In the report published on January 4, Consumer Reports tests showed that 79 percent of food products contained BPA, but the levels were lower than the previous test conducted in 2009.
Among beverages, tests showed that Brisk Iced Tea in cans and Coca-Cola in plastic bottles had the highest levels of phthalates (7,467 and 6,167 nanograms per serving). While Lipton Dip Green Tea and 100 percent natural Polish spring water bottled in plastic contain 4,433 and 4,217 nanograms per serving.
It also contains 100 percent natural apple juice in plastic and cardboard containers, in addition to Coca-Cola, which contains different levels of phthalates.
On the other hand, the team tested canned foods and found that phthalate levels ranged from 680 nanograms per serving in Hunt’s canned tomato sauce to 24,928 nanograms per serving in Del Monte peach slices canned in 100 percent fruit juice. Green Giant Creamy Sweet Corn came in second with 7,603 nanograms, followed by Del Monte Fresh Cut Italian Green Beans with 5,264 nanograms, and Progresso Classic Vegetable Soup with 2,888 nanograms.
In seafood products, canned skinless pink salmon had phthalate levels of 24,321 nanograms per serving, followed by King Oscar’s wild sardines with 7,792 nanograms and Snow’s Chopped Clam oysters with 4,380 nanograms.
2024-01-09 14:28:00
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