Chemicals that are used to dye, package or preserve food are harming children and need better government oversight, according to the nation’s leading pediatrics organization.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling on Congress to overhaul the regulations in this area, which are overseen by the Food and Drug Administration. They cited evidence that the chemicals, used either in packages or in the food itself, contribute to obesity or thyroid problems. Other evidence suggests the chemicals can induce early puberty or contribute to fertility problems later in life.
The AAP believes that fewer chemicals need to be under the “generally recognized as safe” designation without being evaluated first. At least 1,000 chemicals currently fall under this category, which exempts products from getting FDA approval in order to be used. Many more studies and assessments of safety need to be conducted, the group says.
It also asks that the FDA test products and packaging that may have been approved in the past, saying that the methods used are now outdated, and to consider making recommendations about how companies should label their products so that consumers know what they are buying.
AAP is particularly concerned about food coloring, as well as packaging that contains phthalates, perfluoroalkyls, bisphenols or perchlorates.
The organization recommended pediatricians advise families to eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, to avoid processed meats and to avoid microwaving food in plastic.
