Hormone disrupting chemicals found in baby food1 December 2000
Pesticide residues that may disrupt the hormone system have been found in baby food by the Government's pesticide watchdog. Pesticides were also discovered in broccoli, lettuces and strawberries.
Friends of the Earth's analysis of the Pesticide Residues Committee's study, reveals that several of the pesticides found are being investigated by the European Commission following concerns about their effects on human health and the environment. The Royal Society has also voiced reservations about hormone disrupting chemicals urging that, "it is prudent to minimise exposure of humans, especially pregnant women" to these substances.
There is strong evidence that hormone disrupting chemicals, including pesticides, have had dramatic effects on wildlife - such as the feminisation of male fish. Now there is growing concern that several human health problems may be linked to these chemicals including declining sperm counts and increases in rates of testicular and breast cancer. Friends of the Earth wants a Government ban on pesticides already identified as hormone disrupters and wants retailers and food companies to remove these chemicals from their food.
Friends of the Earth Pesticides Campaigner, Sandra Bell said: "Pregnant women, babies and children should not be exposed to hormone disrupting pesticides even at low levels. But shoppers can't tell if these pesticides are lurking in the lettuce they choose or the baby food they put in their basket. Supermarkets and food companies must stop this toxic lottery by being more vigilant and ensuring that these dangerous pesticides are not present in any of the food they sell."
The study found a number of pesticides thought to be hormone disrupters including carbendazim in baby food made by Heinz and Milupa; iprodine in lettuces sold at most major supermarkets, vinclozolin in strawberries sold in Asda and chlorpyrifos at levels over the legal limit in Spanish broccoli sold in Asda.
Get these updates first
If you would like these news updates to be emailed to you as soon as they come out, then join our real food mailing list.
Register Here
News
