You love fish sticks. They’re easy to make, taste great, and are a staple in many households. But did you know that they may contain a group of man-made chemicals called PFAS that have been linked to serious health concerns?
Recent testing by the FDA found PFAS compounds in fish sticks, and while the concentrations ranged from non-detect to 734 parts per trillion, the safety of these levels in seafood is still uncertain.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, can enter the food supply through contaminated water, soil, or air, and can be found in a variety of foods, including fish sticks. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, decreased fertility, and developmental delays.
The FDA’s testing of prepared foods, including fish sticks, has raised concerns about the safety of PFAS levels in our food supply. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising results of the FDA’s testing and provide suggestions for reducing your PFAS intake.
Key Takeaways
– PFAS contamination in food is a serious concern as it can lead to various health problems.
– The FDA found PFAS compounds in fish sticks and tuna during their testing of prepared foods.
– Avoiding certain foods and testing water for PFAS can help reduce intake of the harmful chemicals.
– There is no recommended safe level of PFAS in food set by the United States government, making it important for individuals to take steps to protect themselves.
PFAS in Food Supply
You may be surprised to learn that PFAS, a harmful chemical, can enter the food supply through contaminated water, soil, or air, and can be found in foods like fish sticks and tuna, according to recent FDA testing.
This chemical enters the food supply when plants take in PFAS chemicals dissolved in water, and animals that eat those plants, including fish and shellfish, can also be exposed to PFAS. Moreover, PFAS contamination in food is a serious health concern linked to cancer, thyroid problems, immune system problems, high cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and liver damage.
Testing for PFAS in food is difficult, and there is no recommended safe level of PFAS in food set by the United States government. The lack of clarity around safe PFAS levels is one reason we don’t have a regulatory standard for food.
However, the Maine CDC recently developed a standard for determining safe levels of PFAS in seafood known as chemical-specific fish tissue action levels (FTALs). Therefore, it’s crucial to be informed about PFAS and its presence in food to take necessary steps to protect oneself and loved ones from food contaminated with PFAS.
Health Concerns
If you’re concerned about potential health risks from consuming contaminated food, it’s important to be aware of the serious health concerns associated with exposure to certain chemicals. PFAS, which can enter the food supply through contaminated water, soil, or air, have been linked to a range of health issues including cancer, thyroid problems, immune system problems, high cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and liver damage.
Exposure to PFAS can have a negative impact on your overall health, particularly when it comes to cancer and immune system function. Here are four ways PFAS can affect your health:
1. PFAS can damage DNA, which can increase the risk of cancer.
2. PFAS can disrupt the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and illnesses.
3. PFAS can cause liver damage, which can lead to a range of health issues.
4. PFAS can contribute to high cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure, and take steps to reduce your intake of contaminated food and water. This can include avoiding certain foods, testing your water for PFAS, and advocating for stronger regulations to protect our food supply from contamination.
FDA Testing of Prepared Foods
The recent testing of prepared foods by the FDA found detectable levels of potentially harmful chemicals. Among the 10 fish stick samples tested, PFAS compounds were found in 9 of them. The concentrations ranged from non-detect to 734 parts per trillion.
While the FDA didn’t identify which brands of fish sticks were tested, the findings raise potential risks and concerns for consumers of fish sticks with PFAS contamination. It’s important to note that the FDA study has limitations. The agency noted that they couldn’t draw definitive conclusions about the safety of PFAS levels in seafood, and the sample size was limited.
However, the study highlights the need for continued monitoring and testing of prepared foods for PFAS contamination. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks and consider avoiding certain foods and testing their water for PFAS.
Avoiding PFAS in Food
Avoiding contamination in food is important for maintaining good health and preventing potential health risks. Here are some tips to help you avoid PFAS in your food:
– Avoid large fish like salmon and tuna as they tend to accumulate more PFAS in their bodies.
– Filter-feeding shellfish such as clams and oysters should also be avoided as they can take in PFAS from the water they live in.
– Foods that are packaged in PFAS containing materials should be avoided as well.
Aside from avoiding PFAS in food, it’s also important to consider the impact of PFAS on the environment. These chemicals are persistent and can accumulate in the environment, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems. By making conscious choices and opting for PFAS-free alternatives, we can help reduce the prevalence of these harmful chemicals in our environment.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned about the potential dangers of PFAS in fish sticks and how the FDA’s recent testing has shed light on the issue.
While the concentrations of these chemicals in seafood vary, it’s clear that they can pose a threat to our health.
You may be wondering what steps you can take to avoid PFAS in your food. One way to reduce your intake of PFAS is to choose fresh, locally sourced seafood. This can help ensure that your food is not contaminated with these harmful chemicals.
Additionally, you can look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free or switch to alternative proteins, such as plant-based options.
By making informed choices about your food, you can protect your health and reduce your exposure to PFAS.
