New Danger Warning On Food Additives
Should you eat your greens? Maybe. Chemicals used to preserve food or improve flavor, and even some substances used in food packaging could harm children’s health, says a new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The food chemicals, mostly used for coloring or to improve flavors are a potential threat to all of us. But, because children eat more (in relation to their size) and have organs that are still developing they’re seen as being at greater risk. Dyes and adhesives used in packaging can also contaminate food, says AAP.
In total, more than 10,000 chemicals are currently allowed to be added to or come in contact with food. The organization is calling for stricter controls on the use of these products.
For parents, it’s not always possible to know which of those that are considered harmful may be in a particular product they are buying — such as bisphenols in the lining of metal cans, phthalates used in adhesives and pesticides.
However, food labeling often indicates the presence of other worrying compounds such as artificial food colors, nitrates, and nitrites. It has already been shown that a chemical known as BPA potentially poses a threat and many containers are now promoted as being “BPA free”.
You can eat your greens! But be informed.
For up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about food safety, visit their website here.
Food for thought…
There are many things that we can not control. But, we can try to manage the risks. Or, we can try to plan for some eventualities.
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