Harmful Plastic Chemicals Found in 99% of Tested Food Items, Says Consumer Reports

Despite FDA's rejection of a ban on phthalates in food packaging last year, new research indicates widespread presence of these chemicals in supermarket and fast food products, raising health concerns.

• Consumer Reports' research found harmful plastic chemicals, phthalates and bisphenols, in 99% of tested supermarket and fast food items, regardless of packaging and organic certification.
• Products with the highest levels of these chemicals include Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli, Del Monte sliced peaches, Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets, and General Mills' original Cheerios.
• Phthalates and bisphenols, linked to health risks such as diabetes, hormone disruption, cancer, and infertility, can enter food through packaging, food processing equipment, and contamination in water and soil.
• In 2023, the FDA rejected a petition to ban the use of phthalates in food packaging and processing, and current thresholds for these chemicals are considered outdated by many experts.
• Despite the widespread presence of these chemicals, some products like Polar Springs seltzer were found to have no contaminants, indicating possible ways to reduce their presence in food.

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