A disturbing new study reveals that nearly 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer are being used in food packaging and plastic tableware.
Moreover, dozens of these carcinogens can leach into the human body, posing a high health risk.
The study, conducted by the Food Packaging Forum, a nonprofit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, found that 76 known or potential breast carcinogens are present in food contact materials.
“These findings are deeply concerning, and it’s imperative that regulatory agencies take swift action to eliminate these harmful chemicals from our food supply,” said Jane Muncke, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum.
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“The fact that so many potential breast carcinogens are present in food packaging and can migrate into our food is just one example of how many chemicals we are unwittingly exposed to every day,” added Jenny Kay, a research scientist at Silent Spring Institute.
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The study stressed the need for urgent action to protect public health.
Consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens by choosing organic produce, meat, and dairy, avoiding plastic containers, and storing food in glass containers.
Dr Len Lichtenfeld, former deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, said: “Rates of early-onset breast cancer in women under 50 are increasing, and experts say the trend cannot be explained by genetics alone.”
The Consumer Brands Association has stated that its members adhere to the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s evidence-based safety standards.
However, the FDA has faced criticism for its failure to act quickly on health concerns about some 14,000 chemicals known to be added to food.
