Phthalates in food

Food phthalates exposure

Reduce phthalate exposure through food

Phthalates (known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens) are unfortunately present in many of our consumer products, including personal care and skin products, toys, electronics and medical equipment. Another significant pathway for phthalates entering our bodies is through food. A literature review conducted a couple of years ago in the Environmental Health academic journal revealed that meat, poultry, cream-based dairy products, and fats were routinely contaminated with high concentrations of the DEHP phthalate. They also determined that diets high in meat and dairy resulted in two-fold in exposure to phthalates. ⠀

Another study conducted by the Uni of Adelaide concluded that those that had a higher concentration of packaged and processed food in their diet had a significantly higher levels of phthalates in their bodies than those whose diet had more fresh fruit and veggies.⠀

So, with those fun facts in mind, here are some tips to help you reduce your phthalate exposure through food:⠀

-Avoid high fat foods such as cream, whole milk, and fatty meats as much as possible. Buy low fat products, such as skim milk and low fat cheeses, if buying dairy.⠀

-Buy whole, fresh fruits and vegetables when possible. Avoid canned and processed foods.⠀

-If it is canned or packaged in plastic, look for items that are labelled phthalate free or BPA free.⠀

-Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood to hold and store foods instead of plastics.⠀

-Do not microwave food or beverages in plastic.⠀

-If plastics cannot be avoided, use the following guide to avoid plastics with a higher risk for phthalates. Check the symbol on the bottom of plastics containers and try to avoid the plastics marked 3 (PVC or vinyl), 6 (polystyrene foam), or 7 (other, can contain BPA).

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