Consumer Reports (CR) tested nearly 100 foods and found widespread contamination with plasticizers like phthalates and bisphenols, chemicals linked to serious health risks. Here's what you need to know:

Key Findings

Widespread Contamination
- Phthalates: Found in almost every food tested, often at high levels.
- Bisphenols (e.g., BPA): Detected in 79% of samples, though levels were lower than past tests.

High-Risk Foods
- Fast foods: Items like Burger King’s Whopper and Wendy’s chicken nuggets had high phthalate levels.
- Supermarket staples: Products such as Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli and Yoplait yogurt also ranked high.
- Levels varied even within brands (e.g., Chef Boyardee Beefaroni vs. Big Bowl Beefaroni).

No Packaging Exceptions
- High phthalate levels were found in foods regardless of packaging type (cans, pouches, or plastic).
- Contamination also comes from food processing equipment like tubing and conveyor belts.

Why It’s a Problem

Health Risks
- Endocrine Disruption: Interferes with hormones, increasing the risk of diabetes, cancer, birth defects, and infertility.
- Cumulative Effects: Long-term exposure, even at low levels, poses significant health concerns.

Difficult to Avoid
- These chemicals are pervasive, entering food through packaging, processing equipment, and environmental contamination.
- Plasticizers are quickly eliminated by the body but are reintroduced through constant exposure.

What CR Recommends

Regulatory Action
- The FDA must reassess and restrict plasticizers in food production.
- Set stricter safety limits on chemicals like BPA and DEHP based on current science.

Corporate Responsibility
- Food companies should eliminate bisphenols and phthalates across their supply chains.
- Clear labeling and transparency are needed.

Green Chemistry
- Develop safer, sustainable alternatives to harmful plastic chemicals.

How You Can Reduce Exposure

Choose Safer Packaging
- Opt for glass, silicone, or stainless steel instead of plastic containers.

Cook at Home
- Limit consumption of processed and fast foods, which often have higher contamination.

Avoid Heating Plastic
- Don’t microwave food in plastic containers, as heat can increase chemical leaching.

Look for Labels
- Seek products labeled BPA-free and phthalate-free, though they may still contain substitutes.

Wash Fresh Produce Thoroughly
- Rinse fruits and vegetables to reduce potential contamination from soil and water.

What’s Next?

• CR and advocacy groups are pressuring the FDA to enforce stricter regulations on plastic-related chemicals.
• Until then, small lifestyle changes can help limit exposure and protect your health.

For detailed product findings and safer choices, check CR's comprehensive report.

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