Get a Closer Look: PlasticList’s Study on Plastic Chemicals in Bay Area Foods
Get a Closer Look: PlasticList’s Study on Plastic Chemicals in Bay Area Foods
Author: Alex Bede, Grove Sustainability Director
Your organic packaged dinner or go-to prenatal vitamin might contain high levels of plastic-related chemicals. Plastic pollution and its impact on our planet is a hot topic, but the conversation often skims the surface of an issue that’s far more complex: the chemicals used in plastics and their potential presence in our food. A recent study by PlasticList, an independent research organization, shines light on this issue by testing 312 foods in the San Francisco Bay Area for a handful of plastic-related chemicals. The study’s findings highlight the importance in understanding how these substances might negatively interact with our food system and human health.
To name a few, some of the commonly used plastic chemicals that we currently or have been exposed to are:
Bisphenol A (BPA): used to make plastics more durable and shatter-resistant¹
Phthalates: used to make plastics more flexible and durable²
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): flame retardants³
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): also known as “forever chemicals” and used in stain- or water-resistant products⁴
The above is just a shortlist — there are thousands of chemicals used in plastics.
The power of data
While many past reports concerning plastics and food have relied on the theoretical discussion of plastic and its risks, this PlasticList study makes groundbreaking strides toward data-driven research and measurement.
PlasticList tested samples of foods in the Bay Area, including local restaurants, fast food chains, chain grocery stores, university dining halls, and more. According to their tests, a Chick-Fil-A Deluxe Sandwich contained 2,717,000 ng/serving of DEHT (used to soften plastics), which fell in the 98th percentile of all foods tested. A sample of Annie’s Organic Classic Cheddar Mac and Cheese was reported to have 994 ng/serving of BPA, which fell in the 75th percentile of all foods tested. Topping the list was a black tea from a well-loved local boba tea chain, which contained more BPA than what is deemed safe to consume in an entire year.⁵
Although the preliminary data and findings require extensive additional research, this effort fills a significant gap in the work currently being done by regulatory bodies, such as the FDA. In a perfect world, the responsibility for understanding and ensuring what is in our food would lie with these agencies, however most of this critical work is being completed by independent research organizations like PlasticList, in an attempt to make up for where regulations fall short. PlasticList’s important work could meaningfully inform public policy and strengthen consumer protections against the chemicals present in plastic.
Only a starting point
PlasticList has been transparent about the intent and scope of their research, advising their audience against using these findings to make definitive conclusions or policy recommendations. They hope their work serves as inspiration and a starting point for further research and exploration.
One important finding is that the presence of a chemical in food does not automatically equate to a health safety issue. They note it is essential to understand the levels of these chemicals present and what thresholds may pose risks to human health. Without taking this into account, it is nearly impossible to determine, to what extent, the chemicals are harmless or a cause for concern.
Follow up studies will be essential in continuing this important work. We need a deeper understanding of how these chemicals interact with our bodies, what levels are considered safe, and what regulatory limits should be implemented to protect consumers.
Building awareness without fear
As health and wellness concerns continue to rise throughout the US, it’s key that organizations approach research like this with a commitment to increasing knowledge, rather than alarm. PlasticList’s work is not intended to elicit fear or demand immediate action, but rather raise awareness on necessary future research and important conversations to ensure food and public health safety.
Given the scarcity of dedicated research on how plastic impacts our bodies, we hope to see an increase in studies like PlasticList’s, prioritizing thoughtful hypotheses, data collection, and a push for transparency.
Why plastic chemicals in food matters
We have a right to know what is in the food we eat. PlasticList’s study highlights not just what we don’t know, but the potential we could uncover with continued research and collaboration. Transparency is a cornerstone of public health and safety, and independent research is a powerful tool that can serve as a catalyst for more comprehensive and robust research that can help inform policy decisions. This is a call to action — not for individuals to panic or change their habits — but for regulatory bodies to prioritize this type of work.
