Photo by Alesia Kozik
San Francisco: A groundbreaking six-month investigation has revealed the pervasive presence of plastic chemicals in everyday food items, raising critical questions about public health and safety standards.
The study tested 312 food products for 18 plastic-related chemicals, uncovering widespread contamination across processed and organic foods alike.
Testing revealed that 86% of the food items contained plastic chemicals, including phthalates and bisphenols, known for their potential hormonal effects on humans.
Particularly concerning was the detection of these chemicals in baby food, prenatal vitamins, and popular brands like Starbucks and Whole Foods.
Several products, such as Boba tea and canned meat, exceeded European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) intake limits by alarming margins, with some surpassing safe levels by over 30,000%.
The study highlighted that less-processed foods exhibited lower chemical contamination compared to their heavily processed counterparts.
It also pointed to inconsistencies in regulatory safety limits, with outdated standards failing to account for cumulative and low-dose effects of these chemicals.
The findings underscore the urgent need for modernized testing and regulatory frameworks.
The findings underscore the urgent need for modernized testing and regulatory frameworks. Dr. Shanna Swan, an expert in endocrine-disrupting chemicals, emphasized, “The evidence for low-dose effects of these chemicals is growing, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children.”
While the results stop short of recommending immediate changes to consumption habits, the study calls for further research and stricter safety measures to mitigate risks posed by these ubiquitous chemicals.
The revelations are a wake-up call for policymakers, food manufacturers, and consumers alike to prioritize food safety and public health.