Studies claim that preservatives used in popular processed foods impair the immune system

Food preservatives used to extend the shelf life of pop-tarts, rice krispies treats, cheese it’s and other popular approximately 1,250 processed foods can harm the immune system, according to Environmental. It suggests the results of peer review studies. walking group.

In this study, published this week in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, EWG researchers use data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s ToxCast to predict the most common food additives. We evaluated the health hazards of chemical substances. It is an “eternal chemical” known as PFAS and has the potential to move from packaging to food.

Analysis of ToxCast data by the EWG shows that the preservative tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) harms the immune system in both animal and non-animal studies known as high-throughput in vitro toxicity studies. This finding is of particular concern during a coronavirus pandemic.

“The pandemic has focused public and scientific attention on environmental factors that can affect the immune system,” said Organai Denko, vice president of scientific research at the EWG and lead author of the new study. The doctor says.

“Before the pandemic, chemicals that could compromise the immune system’s defenses against infections and cancers didn’t get enough attention from public health agencies,” Naidenko said. Need to be changed. “

TBHQ

TBHQ is a preservative that permeates processed foods. It has been used in food for decades and has no function other than extending the shelf life of the product. Using ToxCast’s new non-animal test results, the EWG found that TBHQ affects immune cell proteins at doses similar to those that do harm in previous studies. Previous studies have shown that TBHQ affects the effectiveness of influenza vaccines and may be associated with increased food allergies.

PFAS

The EWG used ToxCast to analyze all published studies showing how PFAS transitions from packaging materials or processing equipment to food. This is the first known compilation of available studies on the transfer of PFAS from packaging to food. National testing in 2017 showed that many fast food chains use food wrappers, bags and boxes coated with highly fluorinated chemicals.

Epidemiological studies in humans have shown that PFAS suppresses immune function and reduces the effectiveness of vaccines. A recently published study also found a link between high levels of PFAS in the blood and the severity of Covid-19.

Surprisingly, for most PFAS, ToxCast results did not match previous animal and human test data. This shows the limits of this new chemical test method. Further research is needed to understand how PFAS harms the immune system.

Regulation of food chemicals

The Food and Drug Administration’s approach to food additive regulation does not take into account the latest science on the health hazards of additives that could be legally added to processed foods manufactured in the United States last year, the EWG said. Announced the state of science of food additives. Additives known to increase the risk of cancer, harm the nervous system and upset the body’s hormonal balance.

The FDA frequently allows food manufacturers to determine which chemicals are safe, allowing them to legally add health hazard-related chemicals to packaged foods. Additives like TBHQ were approved by the FDA decades ago, and the FDA is not considering new science to reassess the safety of food chemicals.

Scott Farber, Senior Vice President of Government at EWG, said:

“The FDA often allows the food and chemical industry to determine which ingredients are safe to consume. In our study, the FDA reviewed these ingredients. Shows how important it is to test the safety of all food chemicals. “

Less toxic food preservatives

Shoppers should read the label carefully, as processed foods can be made without these potentially harmful ingredients. TBHQ is often, but not always, listed on ingredient labels. If added to the product at the time of manufacture, it will be listed. However, it can also be used in food packaging, especially plastic packaging, which has the potential to move to food.

EWG’s Food Scores database helps consumers find products made with healthier alternatives. The HealthyLiving app allows shoppers to scan products and select better options while in the store.

The EWG recommends prioritizing immunotoxicity testing of chemicals in foods and food contact materials to protect public health from potential harm to the immune system.

The EWG also called on the FDA to close regulatory loopholes that would allow potentially dangerous food additives to remain on the market. The FDA also needs to quickly review additives like TBHQ to reflect new science.

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