Key Takeaways:
- Perchlorate, a chemical found in rocket fuel, plastics, and airbags, has been found in various food and grocery items, as reported by Consumer Reports.
- Consumer Reports discovered measurable levels of perchlorate in 67% of 196 samples from 63 grocery and 10 fast food products, with levels ranging from just over two parts per billion (ppb) to 79 ppb.
- While none of the tested foods had dangerously high levels of perchlorate, some had enough of the chemical where repeated consumption could lead to potentially hazardous levels.
Insightful Information:
Perchlorate has been a cause for concern for many years due to its presence in food and water. In 2003, the Environmental Working Group found perchlorate in lettuce samples, sparking further investigation.
The EPA and European Food Safety Authority have set safe exposure levels for perchlorate to protect against thyroid gland interference and developmental issues in fetuses and infants.
Consumer Reports conducted food testing due to regulatory inaction and found that baby and kid food had the highest perchlorate levels, followed by fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, and meat products.
Notably, packaging material also plays a role in perchlorate levels, with plastic containers showing the highest levels in the study.
While the report may not immediately impact food consumption habits or production practices, it could raise awareness and prompt further regulatory scrutiny on perchlorate contamination.
Consumer Reports’ call for increased protection against contaminants like perchlorate emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and regulation in the food industry.