Plastics and food additives, oh my!!
Its time to clean up your foods and kitchen drawers! Here’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics has to say.
The AAP posted a reports in August 2018 calling for stricter regulations surrounding food safety. The AAP experts looked at several studies and determined that chemicals found in food colorings, preservatives, and packaging materials may be harmful to children's health. The report listed the dangers of certain substances, like bisphenols, phthalates, and nitrates — indirect additives that are often found in foods processing and packaging — that can be especially hazardous to infants and kids.
Common offenders:
Nitrates and nitrites
Phthalates
Bisphenols
PFCs
Perchlorate
Artificial food colors
These chemicals and compounds have been linked to hormone disruption, ADHD, childhood obesity, insulin resistance, cardiotoxicity, immunosuppression, thyroid hormone disruption, reduced fertility
What can we do?
Make the switch: Do an inventory of what’s in your kitchen. Switch to plastic alternatives whenever possible. Great choices are bamboo, stainless steel or glass dishes and cups for your kiddos. Silicone is also a safe option. Switch your plastic Tupperware out with glass alternatives.
If its scratched throw it out: Any well used plasticware should be thrown out.
Avoid Heat: Heat can cause plastics to leak BPA and phthalates into food. It is important to avoid microwaving food or beverages (including infant formula and pumped human milk) in plastic containers. Also avoid putting plastics in the dishwasher and hand wash instead.
Check recycling codes: Avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols) unless they are labeled as "biobased" or "greenware.
Fresh is best: Choose fresh or frozen organic fruits and vegetables. Lean on whole food nutrition and avoid processed foods.
This has inspired me to audit my refrigerator, pantry and kitchen drawers and make big changes for my family. Swipe through to see some of our favorite alternatives!
What are your favorite products? Share below!