Avoiding plasticisers is almost impossible. If you're concerned about the potential health effects, here's what you can do to minimise your risk of exposure to these chemicals.
Fatty foods sold in glass jars - such as pesto, pasta sauce, mayonnaise, and preserved veges - are especially vulnerable to contamination because plasticisers dissolve readily in fats and oils. Look for non-fatty alternatives when you shop.
Plasticisers are commonly used in PVC plastics so look for products which are PVC-free. If you can't see them on the shelves, ask retailers to stock them. Consider alternatives to plastic (such as toys made from wood).
We say
- It makes no sense for our current regulations to prohibit some plasticisers in cosmetics but allow them to be used in kids' toys and food-packaging materials.
- The long-term health risks associated with exposure to plasticisers need to be dealt with. The EU and US have already banned some of these chemicals. We think our regulatory agencies should be looking at whether similar measures are required to safeguard Kiwi consumers.
More information
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand: www.foodstandards.govt.nz
- New Zealand Food Safety Authority: www.nzfsa.govt.nz
- National Research Council (US): www.nationalacademies.org/nrc
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