My last post, about apples, was partially inspired by the fact that fall is here. This post too, is inspired by the time of year, and again focuses on food safety.
Depending on what part of North America you live in, the availability of fresh food diminishes as we approach winter. In New England, many of us cover up our grills, dust off our crock pots, and begin making comfort foods like spaghetti and meatballs, chili, and soups. In years past I would buy canned tomatoes for tomato sauce and canned kidney beans for chili. Most regrettably, I bought cans of formula when my son was an infant. I did all of this prior to learning about the long list of potential health hazards associated with exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), the plastic resin used in polycarbonate food and drink containers and the lining of tin cans. In cans, BPA is used to prevent corrosion of the can and contamination of the food inside. Ironic, eh?
If you aren’t aware of the impacts of BPA exposure, consider these facts:
- BPA is a synthetic form of estrogen, and has been proven to interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system.
- Exposure to BPA is implicated in fetal development defects and reproductive system damage
- Recent studies have raised questions about BPA exposure increasing the risk for diabetes and certain types of cancers.
- More than 100 peer-reviewed studies have reported that BPA is toxic at low doses. (http://www.ewg.org/reports/bisphenola)
- Developing fetuses and babies are most vulnerable to BPA’s toxic effects; this age group also has the highest level of exposure. (link to http://www.ewg.org/tipstoavoidBPA)
Five tips for minimizing your families’ exposure to BPA
- Avoid canned food, particularly if you are pregnant
- Look for food that comes in bottles or cartons rather than cans (e.g. tomato sauce)
- Choose BPA-free baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, and water bottles. Check the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles & Formula.
- Ask your dentist for BPA-free sealants and fillings
- Avoid eating or drinking from plastic containers marked with the recycling code #7
Remember- it’s not just what you eat, but also what you eat out of! On that note, I’m off to soak some beans for the first batch of chili this season. Using dry beans rather than canned takes planning and time, but the evidence points to the fact that it’s a safer route- cheaper too!
