Chemicals in Food Packaging

Thank you to my friend Tammy for alerting me to a recent webinar on this topic which inspired me to do additional research and write this article. Besides covering food and nutrition topics, I believe it's important to alert you to other public health issues that play a role in your long term health.

With the explosion of the use of plastics in so many products, we have increased our exposure to some chemicals that may be harmful to our health. These include a family of chemicals called phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA).

• Phthalates are used to make plastics soft and flexible and may be found in items like plastic food wrap, plastic food storage containers, soft plastic toys, and plastic tubing. Heating plastic is a concern because phthalate's can migrate out of the plastic in higher concentrations when warm. They are also used in personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, and lotions as softening agents and to help fragrances last longer. Some forms have been shown to affect male reproductive development, sperm quality, and male hormone levels in laboratory and human studies.

• BPA is often used in hard plastic bottles, the epoxy resin lining of food and beverage cans, and thermal paper from "point of receipt" registers. It has been associated with effects on the developing brain, and breast and prostate cancer in laboratory studies. Fetuses and young children may be at greatest risk from exposure to BPA. Although there is some controversy about the safety of these chemicals, in 2012 the FDA banned BPA in baby bottles. However, many environmental groups are calling for a BPA ban from all food packaging, similar to the ban by the European Union.

We can't completely avoid the use of plastic but here are some tips to reduce your exposure to these chemicals:

• Choose fresh or frozen foods over canned as much as possible. Eden Foods is the only company that no longer uses BPA-lined cans in all of its products. You can also find soups and tomatoe products in BPA-free tetra-cartons. 
• Cook more meals at home using fresh ingredients.
• Store warm leftover foods in glass or ceramic containers. Only use plastic for cold items.
• Don't use plastic containers to reheat foods in the microwave; use glass or ceramic. When using pre-packaged frozen meals, pop the food out of the plastic container and reheat in a glass container or on a plate.
• If you do use plastic containers, only use those labeled #1, # 2, # 4, or # 5. These don't contain BPA so may be safer alternatives. Avoid toys or containers marked #3, #7, or PC.
• It's best to wash plastic containers by hand. If placed in the dishwasher, put on the top shelf.
• Breast feed your baby if possible. If you need to bottle feed, choose glass or BPA-free baby bottles with clear silicone nipples.
• Avoid buying plastic dishes, glasses, or food containers unless they are marked BPA-free.
• Use wooden cutting boards instead of plastic (dedicate one to meats only and wash all cutting boards well to avoid bacterial contamination.)
• Avoid buying soft plastic toys for your children or pets.
• Wash your hands as soon as possible after handling cash register receipts.
• Look for beauty products that are labeled phthalate-free.