When you unseal a container of yoghurt, you're not just accessing your next snack; you're embarking on a journey that your food has undertaken to reach your spoon. From the cow to the processing plant to the packaging facility to the store shelves, there are numerous steps involved. However, at each stage of this journey, there's a potential for an unwelcome addition - a stowaway, so to speak, that shouldn't be there.

This unexpected intruder is known as a plasticizer, a chemical employed to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastic. Today, plasticizers, with phthalates being the most prevalent, are pervasive and can be found in nearly everyone, along with other plastic-associated chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals have been linked to various health concerns, even at low concentrations.

Consumer Reports has conducted multiple investigations into bisphenols and phthalates in food and its packaging over the past quarter-century. In recent tests, a wider array of foods was examined to gauge the extent of Americans' exposure to these chemicals. The results were quite telling: Despite mounting evidence of potential health risks, bisphenols and phthalates persist in our food supply. In nearly 100 food samples, phthalates were found in almost every item, often at elevated levels. Surprisingly, packaging type did not influence phthalate levels, nor did a specific food category, such as dairy products or ready-to-eat meals.

For instance, high phthalate levels were detected in various products, including Del Monte sliced peaches, Chicken of the Sea pink salmon, Fairlife Core Power high-protein chocolate milkshakes, Yoplait Original French vanilla low-fat yoghurt, as well as several fast-food items like Wendy’s crispy chicken nuggets, a Chipotle chicken burrito, and a Burger King Whopper with cheese. Even organic products weren't exempt, with the highest phthalate levels found in a can of Annie's Organic cheesy ravioli.

However, the levels of these chemicals varied significantly among products. For instance, a serving of Pizza Hut’s Original Cheese Pan Pizza had half the phthalate levels of a similar pizza from Little Caesars. Interestingly, even products from the same brand exhibited disparities in levels. Chef Boyardee Big Bowl Beefaroni pasta in meat sauce contained less than half the amount found in the company’s Beefaroni pasta in tomato and meat sauce.

According to James E. Rogers, PhD, who oversees product safety testing at CR, this variability suggests that while these chemicals are widespread, measures can be taken to minimize their presence in foods. Efforts to mitigate exposure initially focused on packaging; however, it's now apparent that phthalates, in particular, can infiltrate food through plastic tubing, conveyor belts, gloves used during processing, and even contaminated water and soil.

Regulations regarding the use of these chemicals in food production are limited, and manufacturers aren't required to test foods for them. Nevertheless, a guide provided by CR can assist individuals in understanding how plasticizers find their way into food, how to minimize exposure, and how industry changes and regulatory adjustments could enhance food safety.

The presence of bisphenols and phthalates in our food is troubling for several reasons. Research indicates that they act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone production and regulation, leading to a myriad of health issues, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, birth defects, and infertility.

Moreover, since plastic is omnipresent in food and everyday items, complete avoidance of these chemicals is nearly impossible. Additionally, the body's ability to eliminate bisphenols and phthalates is offset by constant exposure, leading to their accumulation in blood and tissue. The harmful effects of these chemicals may also be cumulative, posing long-term health risks.

Given these challenges, pinpointing specific health problems attributable to these chemicals is challenging, and regulators struggle to establish safe thresholds. While regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Europe have set limits for BPA and some phthalates, many thresholds fail to reflect current scientific knowledge and may not protect against all potential health effects.

For instance, studies have linked DEHP, one of the most researched phthalates, to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, reproductive issues, early menopause, and other concerns at levels below regulatory limits. With exposure coming from various sources, quantifying a "safe" limit for individual foods remains elusive. The pervasiveness and potential harm of these chemicals underscore the need for further research and stricter regulatory measures to safeguard public health.

The Future of Plastics A conscious effort needs to be made at each household to minimize use of plastics - using cooking utensils made of higher quality materials such as stainless steel or cast iron, using storage containers made of glass or ceramics, using paper bags for groceries instead of plastic bags and using earthenware for potable water.

Regina's supplements are manufactured in a certified GMP facility, adhering to rigorous standards. We prioritize sustainability by using bio-degradable materials, ensuring that our products not only meet the highest quality standards but also contribute to environmental responsibility. With a focus on freshness and purity, we guarantee that each supplement delivers the highest quality ingredients to support your health and well-being.