Editor's note: The deadline for the comments to be accepted seems to be Sept 19 instead of Sept 16. For more information, refer to the FDA website.
DEADLINE EXTENDED: FDA to accept public comments on endocrine-disrupting phthalates in food until Sept. 16.
Click here to add your name: Join EWG in telling the Food and Drug Administration to get phthalates out of our food NOW!
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals permeate our environment and some of the worst are phthalates, which are linked to genital defects in boys, asthma, endometriosis and learning disabilities. They’re common ingredients in household plastics and personal care products.
But here's what's really bad: They even contaminate our food.
Phthalates are “plasticizers” and are commonly used in plastic food packaging and food handling materials, such as vinyl tubing. Unfortunately, these chemicals don’t stay put. Instead, they leach into food and the FDA allows them as “food additives.”
Time is running out to get these endocrine-disrupting chemicals out of our food. We have until Sept. 16 to submit comments to the FDA and we need all the help we can get, since you can be sure the chemical industry is doing all it can to influence the FDA and keep us unprotected from rampant phthalate contamination in our food.
Endocrine-disrupting phthalates wreak havoc on our bodies’ hormone systems and have been linked to serious health concerns like genital defects in boys, asthma, early puberty in girls and endometriosis. So why are these chemicals contaminating our food?
The FDA allows phthalates in food as “indirect additives.” This means food companies don’t have to worry when phthalates leach from plastic tubing or packaging into our food. We have a chance to change that. The FDA is considering a petition to ban phthalates from food packaging and handling materials, but the American Chemistry Council is doing everything it can to stop the FDA and protect its bottom line. Can we count on you to stand with us against the chemical industry today?
Thanks for standing with us.
Sonya Lunder
Senior Analyst, EWG
Comments