A worrying 'permanent chemical' found in our food
But scientists recently discovered a hidden threat that is complicating that claim. A recent FDA investigation found evidence that a class of man-made chemicals was linked to cancer in samples of many foods sold in the Mid-Atlantic, including meat, seafood and brownies.
The rules of healthy eating used to be simple, at least in theory: Eat less processed food, less sugar, and keep your diet balanced. But scientists recently discovered a hidden threat that is complicating that claim.
Research:
A recent investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found evidence that a class of man-made chemicals has been linked to cancer in samples of many foods sold in the Mid-Atlantic, including meat, seafood and brownies.
The chemical, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), became popular in the United States around the 1940s, when manufacturing companies realized that PFAS resisted heat, grease, stains, and water.
Although many PFAS have been phased out in manufacturing, they still lurk in drinking water and consumer products such as food packaging, carpets, leather, textiles and nonstick cookware.
In addition to being linked to cancer, PFAS have also been linked to liver damage and developmental problems.
Because PFAS are difficult to break down in the natural environment, they linger in water and air for thousands of years, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." As long as you eat or inhale them, it means that they stay in your body permanently.
The food samples did not implicate health concerns -- with one exception, the FDA said.
In October 2017, the FDA investigated 16 PFAS in the Mid-Atlantic region.
After taking more than 90 samples from grocery stores, the agency found traces of PFAS in spinach and sweet potatoes and higher levels of the "forever chemical" in meat, seafood, chocolate milk and brownies ".
Meat and seafood samples including turkey, steak, hot dogs, lamb chops, drumsticks, tilapia, cod, salmon, shrimp, and carp showed levels of PFAS in excess of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. specified warning level.
EPA Has Issued a Health Advisory Regarding Certain Types of PFAS
There are nearly 5,000 types of PFAS, but the EPA has only issued health advisories for two types: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonyl compounds (PFOS). These two types represent the "most concerning" species of PFAS.
EPA believes that drinking water with PFOA and PFOS content exceeding 70/trillion will pose risks to human health. This is not a legal requirement, but a warning to state agencies and public health.
The EPA is more cautious than most environmental agencies when it comes to toxic chemicals, often waiting to gather a lot of scientific evidence before making a judgment.
Andrews said: "It took us decades to really understand just how big a role PFAS can play. We have to drop all assumptions that it's safe to be with these chemicals, which are a concern and we should avoid them as much as possible. contact them"
Scientists still trying to find source of 'forever chemical' in food
There are a few theories as to why PFAS show up in our food, but scientists are still trying to identify the most likely cause.
One possibility is the packaging of food. In December 2018, a report by the regulator said PFAS was found in cartons and sandwich packaging at a supermarket.
Ban PFAS from food:
That same year, Washington became the first U.S. city to ban PFAS from food packaging, including microwave popcorn bags and fast food packaging. A few months later, San Francisco banned PFAS from single-use food containers, cutlery, napkins, plates, straws, trays and lids.
When biodegradable packaging containing PFAS is composted, the chemicals end up being fed to plants and then into humans.
Another possibility, Andrews said, is evidenced by samples from contaminated cows near an Air Force base in New Mexico. In the 1970s, the U.S. Department of Defense began using firefighting foams containing PFAS in training exercises and emergency drills.
By 2018, the department reported that at least 90 Air Force, Army and Navy bases had groundwater contaminated with PFAS above EPA's acceptable levels.
The EPA has also detected PFAS in water systems in many places. When contaminated water is transported to the fields, it can end up poisoning our food sources.
According to Andrews, the "common assumption" in the scientific community is that most people are exposed to PFAS through food. But there are still many things we need to study further.
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