Toxic takeout? The hidden dangers in food packaging

I know I’ve written about this a lot—and I started sounding the alarm long before it was trendy…

But we are being poisoned. Full stop.

Of course, the mainstream is finally catching on. But when will they decide enough is enough?

First it was artificial sweeteners. Then it was forever chemicals.

And today’s killer they’re sounding the alarms over? Food packaging.

Toxic food packaging

Food packaging has always been dangerous. But it’s becoming a bigger, if not constant, source of toxins since more and more people don’t cook at home.

Think about it…

There are toxins in shrink wrap, take-out containers, plastic bottles… everything.

And recent research reveals how it’s all impacting our bodies.

Researchers from Switzerland and other countries found that out of the roughly 14,000 known chemicals in food packaging, nearly 25 percent have been found in the human body.

The chemicals include heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), and phthalates—all of which can disrupt hormones and even lead to cancer.

Be aware

Don’t be fooled here: Scientists have known for many years that these dangerous chemicals can leach out of the packaging and into our bodies. How many and in what quantity just depends on the type of packaging and food.

Other variables come into play, too. For example, high temperatures can cause the chemicals to leach more quickly into food. And foods that are high in fat or acidity tend to absorb higher quantities of the leached chemicals.

A simple rule of thumb? The more stuffed the container, the higher the likelihood of chemical leaching.

Now, you may think that most of the chemicals leaching from food packaging comes from plastic. That’s true—but don’t rule out the threat of recycled paper and cardboard, both of which often contain non-food grade inks and PFAs.

I do my best to avoid toxic packaging, and I miss the days of butchers and fish mongers wrapping food in simple paper. I wish that remained common today.

Nonetheless, knowledge is power. Understand the risks of food packaging—and do your best to avoid these nasty chemicals.

You might even consider a safe, healthy detox.

The detox program I recommend is a two-week commitment—and you can learn more about it in the September 2013 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“Two weeks to a leaner, cleaner body”). Click here to read more.

Source:

“Scientists just figured out how many chemicals enter our bodies from food packaging.” The Washington Post, 09/16/24. (washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/09/16/more-than-3000-chemicals-food-packaging-have-infiltrated-our-bodies/)