Got left-overs? Keep this in mind when packing up food in plastic. A few days ago a new series of tests released by US-based organisation, Consumer Reports revealed that many leading American brands of canned foods contain Bisphenol A (BPA) -a toxic chemical linked to health risks including reproductive abnormalities, neurological effects, heightened risk of some cancers, diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. BPA is used in the lining of cans and the toxin leaches from the lining into the food. According to Consumer Reports just a couple of servings of canned food can exceed scientific limits on daily exposure for children. Sadly, of all foods tested, infant formula was among the top three foods that had BPA levels of highest concern.
The US federal government is currently studying the dangers of BPA and advocates are calling on the FDA to ban the use of BPA in food and beverage packaging by the end of the year. US-based companies in other industries, including Wal- Mart, Target, Nalgene, and Babies R Us have already made commitments to stop using BPA.
Want to reduce your intake of BPA?
1. Need to buy canned stuff? Then swap to foodstuffs in glass jars. Especially as canned tomato sauce is likely to have higher levels of BPA, because the high acidity of the tomatoes causes more of the chemical to leach from the lining of the can.
2. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned. In addition to their BPA-free benefit, fresh produce usually has more nutrients, which often get lost in the process of canning.
3. Purchase beverages in plastic or glass bottles Canned soda and juice often contain some BPA.
4. If buying formula, use powdered infant formula instead of ready-to-serve liquid An assessment from the Environmental Working Group found that liquid formulas contain more BPA than powdered brands.
5. Think in terms of moderation follow a sensible approach, eating less of those foods that are higher in BPA.
6. Check out http://www.babypotz.com/- BPA-free pots for safely storing all your home made and left over baby foods!
source: http://www.enn.com/health/article/40728