In a comprehensive analysis of 85 supermarket and fast food items, a staggering 84 were identified as containing phthalates. These chemical compounds serve as plasticizers, reinforcing the durability of various plastic materials.
Consumer Reports, a non-profit consumer organization, revealed the pervasive presence of plastics in food, highlighting concerning health risks. In a recent examination, 84 out of 85 supermarket and fast food items were found to harbor “plasticizers” called phthalates. These chemicals, utilized to bolster plastic durability, have prompted the group to urge regulators to reevaluate the safety standards surrounding plastics that come into contact with food during production.
Elevated levels of phthalates were discovered in various popular products like Cheerios, Gerber baby food, Yoplait yogurt, and selections from Wendy’s, Burger King, and McDonald’s, such as burgers, nuggets, and fries.
Consumer Reports highlighted significant differences among comparable items. For instance, Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets contained 33,980 nanograms per serving of phthalates, more than four times the amount found in McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets.
James Rogers, overseeing product safety testing at Consumer Reports, emphasized the potential for reducing these chemicals in food despite their widespread presence.
The consumer group emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other agencies to reevaluate the risks associated with plasticizers.
Among the tested products, only Polar raspberry lime seltzer showed no traces of phthalates.General Mills, Burger King, and Wendy’s did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Chicken of the Sea and Del Monte stated that they do not add phthalates to their products, receiving assurances from their suppliers. Del Monte also acknowledged the pervasive presence of phthalates in the environment.
Gerber and McDonald’s mentioned their compliance with regulatory standards and strict testing protocols for chemicals in packaging.