Kevin Loria joins the conversation to talk about his recent Consumer Reports article about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), in grocery and restaurant foods, “Dangerous PFAS Chemicals Are in Your Food Packaging.” The magazine found PFAS in the majority of 100 food packaging materials they tested, including off-the-shelf foods at grocers and Burger King, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and other restaurants’ to-go packaging. Sometimes, the chemicals were accidentally introduced in the manufacturing process, but most were intentionally added to prevent grease, oil, or liquid leakage. Banned PFAS continue to show up in new products, possibly because they may be picked up from recycled materials, the environment, water supplies, or the soil.
Referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are everywhere, including nonstick pans, cleaning supplies, shampoos, and cosmetics — there will be no avoiding them until consumers demand their use be banned. New PFAS are constantly invented and introduced into the food supply chain despite growing scientific evidence that they contribute to cancers, immune system disorders, and low birth weights. Kevin explains how to avoid PFAS when shopping and eating out. The article is available free; to learn more, visit Consumer Reports at consumerreports.org.
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This podcast originally aired on May 25, 2022.