Consumer Reports Highlights Plastic Chemicals in Foods
Concerns Over Perchlorate Contamination
A chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks, perchlorate, has been found in various foods, particularly those consumed by babies and children, according to a recent report by Consumer Reports. The presence of perchlorate in food and water has been a known issue for decades, with previous studies revealing its contamination levels in supermarket lettuce.
Findings from Recent Testing
New testing by Consumer Reports discovered measurable levels of perchlorate in 67% of 196 samples of grocery and fast food products. The concentrations ranged from 2 parts per billion to 79 ppb. Foods commonly consumed by children showed the highest levels of perchlorate, with an average of 19.4 ppb. Plastic containers, plastic wrap, and cardboard packaging also showed elevated levels of the chemical.
Special Attention to Children’s Health
While none of the tested foods exceeded the daily limits set by regulatory agencies, concerns persist, especially regarding children’s health. Children may be more vulnerable to perchlorate exposure due to their lower body weight. Certain foods like packed macaroni and cheese, baby rice cereal, and organic yogurt approached or exceeded a significant portion of the daily limits recommended by the European Food Safety Authority.
Consumer Reports emphasizes the importance of offering a diverse range of healthy foods to children to mitigate the potential risks associated with contaminants. The organization attributed the higher levels of perchlorate in certain foods to factors like anti-static plastic packaging and possible contamination of fresh produce through irrigated water.
According to the National Institutes of Health, sources of perchlorate contamination in drinking water primarily stem from activities related to propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics, as well as accidental releases from industrial processes.
