You remember bisphenol A (BPA), right? The chemical that is widely used to harden plastics and line containers and has also been found to be harmful to human health has now shown up in—guess what—our food!
The Los Angeles Times reports that a University of Texas study found "quantifiable levels" of BPA in 63 of 105 foods purchased from Dallas-area grocery stores. Yum!
So which foods had the added secret indgredient?
The scientists found quantifable levels of bisphenol A in cans of Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water and in cans of Kroger Sweet Peas Garden Variety. Plastic containers of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs had measurable levels of the stuff, as did fresh sliced turkey. Canned Enfamil baby formula had more than canned V8 juice.
People concerned about pets might take note that Friskies Classic Pate Salmon Dinner Cat Food in a can had more bisphenol A in it than plastic containers of Cesar Chicken and Beef in Meaty Juices Puppy Food. People concerned about people might take note that both of those products contained less bisphenol A—considerably less—than Progresso Light Homestyle Vegetable and Rice Soup.
The worst offender tested was canned Del Monte Fresh Cut Green Beans.
Scientists have long known that BPA leeches into food when it is used to line packaging and cans. The chemical is so prevalent that earlier studies found it in 90 percent of newborns. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shifted its stance in January 2010 and asserted that trace amounts of BPA in food are not safe for humans. The agency is conducting an ongoing investigation into the effects of low doses of the chemical on humans. It also encouraged the food and packaging industry to switch to BPA-free containers.
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