Plastic Chemicals in Food
Consumer Reports Study on Plastic Chemicals in Food
What’s the issue?
In January 2024 a Consumer Reports study, The Plastic Chemicals Hiding in Your Food, presented test results from 85 food products, including 67 grocery items, that found varying levels of contamination with phthalates (tha-lates) and bisphenols (bis-fuh-naals). These are chemicals used in plastic products to make the material soft and pliable. Growing research shows that these chemicals are likely harmful for human health.
While the study showed some reduction of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food thanks to advocacy and consumer awareness, potentially concerning levels of phthalates were found in a wide range of common products such as canned beans, condiments, beverages, infant foods, packaged fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, milk and dairy products and fast foods. Among these were several natural and organic products. The levels varied hugely, including from product to product, and between different varieties of products within the same brand. The surprising results of the study did not suggest that any particular type of food contains more phthalates than others.
How can organic brands have this contamination?
Organic certification requires that organic producers manage their farms in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances. Because environmental contaminants are present in our air, water and soil, they may be present even on organic farms.
Early efforts to limit plastic exposure focused on packaging, but it’s now clear that phthalates in particular can also get in from the plastic in the tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing. There are not currently regulations prohibiting any foods, including organic food, from being packaged and sold in plastic containers or processed with equipment that comes into contact with materials that contain phthalates.
What now?
Consumer Reports suggests that following these practices can reduce your exposure to phthalates and bisphenols:
Avoid plastic containers, especially for heating food
Limit high fat foods, because plasticizers are generally fat-soluble
Limit fast foods, which are usually high in fat and prepared by workers wearing vinyl gloves
Eat fresh, minimally processed food when possible
Choose wood, stainless steel or silicone for kitchen tools
Use water bottles made of glass or steel
Avoid body care products with artificial fragrances
Limit your use of vinyl products and clothing
People who would like to contribute to the movement to reduce our reliance on plastics and related environmental contamination can consider taking some or all of these actions:
Contact manufacturers directly to express concerns.
Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators to ask them to strengthen regulations related to plastic use in the food supply and environmental contamination by chemicals used to make plastic.
Reduce purchases of new consumer goods made from plastic.
Participate in local, national and international campaigns, such as Plastic Free July.
Your Co-op
Given the wide range of the results of this study, Basics does not plan to change our current product guidelines based on the report at this time. Your co-op staff will continue to monitor this issue. Click here to read our current purchasing guidelines. In short, we strive to cultivate an assortment of natural products and brands to support as many Co-op Owners and customers as possible, acknowledging that our customers have a variety of dietary needs, preferences, and household budgets.
Further reading:
Consumer Reports Study: The Plastic Chemicals Hiding in Your Food
FDA: Phthalates in Food Packaging and Food Contact Applications
Understanding How the FDA Regulates Substances that Come into Contact with Food
Consumer Reports: How to Reduce Exposure to Plastic in Food (and Everywhere Else)