Breaking Ground: Minnesota Becomes First State to Tackle Plastic Chemicals in Food for Healthier Communities

Minnesota state Senator Heather Gustafson is taking a stand against harmful chemicals in our food. On January 16, she introduced bill SF 188. This bill aims to push food companies to cut down on phthalates, chemicals used to make plastics more flexible.

“Plastic chemicals are too common in our food and can harm our health,” Gustafson said in a statement. She believes Minnesota families deserve to know if their food contains toxic phthalates and wants to help them make safer choices. Her bill would encourage food makers to remove these chemicals from their products.

What Does Bill SF 188 Propose?

If passed, this bill would require food companies in Minnesota to check their products for phthalates. They would have to report their findings to the Department of Agriculture, which would share the results with the public.

Are Phthalates Common in Food?

A 2024 study by Consumer Reports found phthalates in nearly every food they tested. These chemicals often enter our meals through packaging and other materials used in food processing. They can even come from contaminated water and soil used to grow food.

Some surprising results showed high levels of phthalates in popular items. For example, Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli had an alarming 53,579 nanograms in just one serving. Other products with high levels included Yoplait Original Low Fat Yogurt and Cheerios. This means that what we think is healthy food may contain harmful chemicals.

What Risks Do Phthalates Pose?

Research shows that phthalates can disrupt hormones, leading to serious health problems. Studies link them to issues like endometriosis, early puberty, asthma, obesity, and even certain cancers. They’re found in our blood and urine, which is concerning for overall health.

“Food manufacturers need to make sure their products are free from harmful plastic chemicals,” said Avonna Starck, state director of Clean Water Action. Gustafson’s bill could ensure that companies are actively testing for and reducing these toxic substances.

How Can You Lower Your Exposure?

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are some simple tips:

• Avoid PVC or vinyl products and packaging when possible.
• Choose glass or stainless steel containers for food storage.
• Skip products with “fragrance” or “parfum” in the ingredients.
• Eat less processed food and focus on cooking at home.

However, it’s essential to recognize that it shouldn’t be solely up to consumers to avoid these chemicals. We need better regulations to keep everyone safe. The goal of Gustafson’s bill is to push for safer practices in food manufacturing.

For more detailed information, you can check out the original article on Food & Wine.