The following article is a departure from our usual issues. However, the subject of this article has such an impact on our lives and our families’ lives that we thought that we should bring it to your attention.
The foods we bring home from the grocery store and consume today differ from the foods consumed by our grandparents. For a number of reasons, hidden in our food are chemicals such as:
- Pesticides to ward off insects, fungi, and diseases
- Preservatives to prevent spoilage
- Lining in food packaging to prevent leakage
Some pesticide residue may remain even after washing the product and is now being detected in the blood and urine of children and pregnant women. The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about exposure to these pesticides because of their effect on child development. It has been established, beyond doubt, that preservatives in food products to prevent spoilage and mold kill sperm. However, their effect on female fertility is uncertain. Plastic food packaging used to prevent spoilage and contamination also creates problems with fertility and health. Even the wax on cardboard packaging for take-out food has been found to have harmful effects.
Fertility Problems
When our grandparents married, they expected, as a matter of course, that they would have children. It was the normal experience at that time. This is no longer the case. There are several reasons for the change. Of course, some couples do not want children, preferring a childless lifestyle. However, there is an increasing number of couples who long to have children but are unable to because of infertility. In fact, one in six couples is now infertile.
There can no longer be any doubt that fertility is plummeting at an alarming rate. One U.S. study indicates that men today have 60% less sperm than men in their grandfather’s generation. Other changes are also occurring: boys and girls are now entering puberty much earlier than in previous generations. For example, young girls today are entering puberty (begin their menstrual cycle) earlier than their grandmothers. Previous generations commenced their menstrual cycles usually between 12-14 years of age, but young girls today begin at 9, 10 or 11 years of age. Medical experts are concerned that early puberty will affect future fertility. Women are also experiencing an increased incidence of endometriosis, a thickening of the lining of the uterus, which can lead to infertility. Women are also experiencing more incidents of hormone imbalance, inflamed ovaries and poor egg quality. Research indicates that these problems can be traced to the addition of chemicals in our food.
Further Health Problems Caused by Chemicals in our Food
The chemicals placed in our food today, as well as in other household products, are man-made chemicals. They persist in the environment and are virtually indestructible. The problem is that we are in contact with these man-made chemicals on a day-to-day basis, placing us at risk. Even if one does not notice any difference in one’s health, these chemicals may have a cumulative effect, which over time may unfortunately have serious health consequences.
These chemicals include:
- PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
This refers to a large group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in various products such as food packaging to prevent food from sticking and to protect the product from contamination. These chemicals are known for their ability to resist grease, water and heat and are used not only in food packaging but also in stain-resistant fabrics and fire-fighting foams. PFAS are resistant to degradation which is why they are so prevalent in the environment. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of potential health effects including cancer (kidney and testicular), hormone disruption (liver and thyroid problems), reproduction harm, abnormal fetal development, high cholesterol, and birth defects. PFAS chemicals are also found in personal care products such as shampoos, dental floss, cosmetics and non-stick cookware.
There is no current treatment to remove PFAS from the body, so that preventing and reducing exposure is an important step to protect yourself and your family.
Limiting Exposure to PFAS
Little things that can be done to limit exposure to PFAS include:
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- Avoid non-stick cookware. If this is not possible, such cookware should not be used at high temperatures in the oven (above 400 degrees), because it gives off harmful fumes.
- Pop your own corn. Microwave popcorn bags (including organic products), usually have PFAS coating on the inside of the packaging.
- Bring your own container when purchasing take-out food.
- Limit foods like hamburgers, french fries, pastries and tortillas that come in grease-resistant packaging.
- Reject PFAS dental floss.
- Avoid stain-resistant coating, such as scotch-guard sprays.
- Replace plastic kitchen tools with metal or wooden ones.
- Remove frozen vegetables from their plastic bag before steaming them in the microwave.
- Read product labels.
- BPA (Bisphenol A)
BPA is a synthetic chemical used in plastics. It is found in various products such as food containers, water bottles, and the lining of some food cans. It is of concern due to its estrogen-mimicking properties. Some baby bottles contain this chemical, but fortunately Canada has banned the manufacture, importation, sale and advertising of baby bottles containing BPA. BPA exposure is linked to reproductive and developmental problems, metabolic disturbances and behavioural issues.
Reducing Exposure to BPA
Reducing exposure to BPA includes the following:
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- Avoid microwaving using plastic containers
- Store food in glass or stainless-steel containers
- Check canned foods to ensure they do not have BPA lining
- Phthalates
This is a group of chemicals that is used to make plastics flexible and transparent. They are endocrine hormone disruptors and have been linked to various health concerns including reproductive issues, developmental problems and potential increase in certain cancers. These chemicals are added to plastics to make them softer, as in food containers and toys. Unfortunately, these chemicals are ingested when food and drinks are stored in plastic containers. This exposure impacts both male and female reproductive systems but especially leads to reduced sperm count. It has also been linked to developmental issues such as learning difficulties for the unborn child when the pregnant mother has come in contact with these chemicals.
Limiting Exposure to Phthalates
It is difficult to avoid phthalates, but exposure can be minimized by avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers. Canada has until recently generally not banned phthalate-based products, though it has placed some specific restrictions on its use, such as in soft vinyl children’s toys and child-care products. There are no regulations on food because Health Canada has concluded that dietary exposure to the chemical is not a health concern. This conclusion is contrary to that of the European Union, which has banned phthalates from food. Phthalates also are contained in products such as nail polish, perfumes, deodorants, shampoos, soaps, hairspray and body lotions. It is possible, however, to remove phthalates from some plastics. Ziplock plastic bags, for example, are made without phthalates, as they have been designed to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Consequently, Ziplock bags are suitable for contact with food. Phthalates are used in piping, medical tubes and bags and clinging plastics like saran wrap.
Contrary to Canada’s findings, recent studies indicate that phthalates were linked to more than 13% of deaths from heart disease globally in 2016. One study attributed this chemical to more than 300,000 heart disease deaths among people aged 55-64 worldwide. This study, carried out in 200 countries, was published in the prestigious British Medical Journal, The Lancet.
In children, phthalates have been associated with developmental and behavioral issues including reduced cognitive function and attention disorders. In adults it has also been associated with low sperm quality, and disrupted menstrual cycles and Type2 Diabetes.
Two recent studies at the University of Toronto published in Ecotoxicology and Public Health found elevated levels of phthalates in children’s bed mattresses that were manufactured in Canada. The chemical was placed in the mattresses to increase their durability, longevity and flexibility. Unfortunately, the chemicals in the mattresses also migrate to other items in children’s sleeping environments including pillows, bedding and toys.
- Propylparaben
This chemical is widely used as a preservative in food. Studies indicate that this chemical has a potential for endocrine disruption and reproductive defects. While the U.S. FDA does allow propylparaben in food, other countries such as the European Union have banned it since 2006, citing evidence of hormonal disruption. It was banned in the EU because that organization takes a different approach to health safety and product safety, focusing on the precautionary principle. The good news is that on April 4, 2025, Canada finally banned propylparaben in food because it now regards it as a health risk.
The U.S. is Leading the Way
The U.S. seems to have come to grips with the very serious problem of man-made chemicals in our environment. In May 2025, the FDA announced that three of the most controversial food dyes must be removed from processed foods. The reason for this is that these dyes are petroleum-based which is harmful to human beings. MARS Inc., which manufactures the candy Skittles, a brightly coloured, shiny candy, will begin immediately to change its processing and hopes to have the food dyes currently included in the product eliminated by the end of 2026. Other companies are also taking action to eliminate these food dyes.
In the same month, May 2025, the FDA announced that it was immediately commencing a sweeping review of chemicals in many products. According to its press release, the FDA plans to modernize using evidence-based priorities to assess existing chemicals in the environment. Canada must do the same.
Health Safety in Canadian Food
Safety in Canadian food is overseen by the Health Products and Food Branch which is a part of Health Canada. This department works to protect and promote the health and safety of Canadians and is the regulatory authority that makes these decisions.
Canadians must insist that, similar to the action taken by the FDA, Canada must also conduct a review of the chemicals used in our food and other products, and reach conclusions that are based on evidence from scientific research.
Please write to your MP, as well as to the Director of the Health Products and Food Branch, and to the Minister of Health, and demand that this review take place so that similar restrictions will be applied in Canada. The addresses are as follows:
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, M.P.
Minister of Health
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
Email: marjorie.michel@parl.gc.ca
Dr. Joyce Boye
Director General
Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate (Graham Spry Building)
3rd Floor
250 Lanark Avenue
Address Locator # 2003D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9, Canada
Email: hcinfo.infosc@canada.ca
Your MP