Consumer Reports has found that plastics retain a “widespread” presence in food despite the health risks, and called on regulators to reassess the safety of plastics that come into contact with food during production.

The non-profit consumer group said on Thursday that 84 out of 85 supermarket foods and fast foods it recently tested contained “plasticizers” known as phthalates, a chemical used to make plastic more durable.

It also said 79% of food samples in its study contained bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical found in plastic, and other bisphenols, though levels were lower than in tests done in 2009.

Consumer Reports said none of the phthalate levels it found exceeded limits set by U.S. and European regulators.

It also said there was no level of phthalates that scientists confirm is safe, but that does not guarantee the safety of foods you eat.

  • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    My doctor told me yesterday that it was already in all our bloods. Says they know it will effect our health badly just not sure how yet.

    We need to end the use of plastic.

    • pearsaltchocolatebar
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      11 months ago

      They’ve even found it in fetuses. I’m convinced that microplastics will wipe out humanity before climate change does by lowering the birth rate to an unsustainable level.

    • ef9357@lemmy.sdf.org
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      11 months ago

      Agreed. We never wanted plastic in the first place. Government allowed/allows industries to force it on us by removing non-plastic options.

      • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        Oh shit! But I understand they are working on a other solution to plastics just haven’t cracked it yet.

    • lolcatnip@reddthat.com
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      11 months ago

      I honestly find it very difficult to imagine what a modern-ish world without plastics would even look like. We’d need to find replacements for so many ubiquitous things, and not just convenience items, but important things like PCBs and medical supplies.

      • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        We could do a lot of good by outlawing plastic bags and bottles. Those two alone We can do and use alternatives with no consequences. It also be two of the biggest plastic waste contributors.