Watan-American Researchers Uncover Alarming Presence of Toxic Pesticides in Nearly 40% of Analyzed Conventional Children’s Food Products
A recent scientific study conducted in the United States has revealed that approximately 40% of traditional children’s food products analyzed contain harmful insecticides. Interestingly, none of the organic products sampled in the study were found to contain any chemicals.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlighted that the study, encompassing 73 products, identified residues of at least one pesticide in 22 out of 58 traditional children’s foods.
Infants More Vulnerable to Toxins, Warns Chinese Study
According to the Chinese news agency “Xinhua,” a study group has cautioned that “infants and young children are particularly susceptible to potential health risks due to the consumption of foods containing residues of agricultural pesticides.”
The non-profit organization tested products from three well-known brands in the United States – Beech-Nut, Gerber, and Parent’s Choice.
Sydney Evans, a senior scientific analyst at the EWG and a co-author of the report, stated, “Infants and young children are particularly exposed to the health risks posed by insecticides in food, and food is the primary route by which most children are exposed to insecticides.”
Infants More Vulnerable to Toxins, Warns Chinese Study
According to the Chinese news agency “Xinhua,” a study group has cautioned that “infants and young children are particularly susceptible to potential health risks due to the consumption of foods containing residues of agricultural pesticides.”
The non-profit organization tested products from three well-known brands in the United States – Beech-Nut, Gerber, and Parent’s Choice.
Sydney Evans, a senior scientific analyst at the EWG and a co-author of the report, stated, “Infants and young children are particularly exposed to the health risks posed by insecticides in food, and food is the primary route by which most children are exposed to insecticides.”
Promising News Amidst Concerns
While the results are concerning, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the positive news is that levels of insecticides in children’s food have decreased compared to a similar study conducted in 1995.
In a study from 1995, “53% of 72 children’s food products sampled contained residues of at least one insecticide.”
The insecticides detected in general were much more toxic and hazardous than those revealed in recent tests, as mentioned by researchers in the EWG.
Brain-Destroying Pesticide
The report stated that one toxic insecticide found in children’s food is “Chlorpyrifos,” an insect-killing neurotoxin that destroys the brain. Even small amounts of it can permanently damage the health of infants and children.
Harmful to Fetal Growth
Among the controversial insecticides discovered in the study is Acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide harmful to bees and humans, and Captan, linked to cancer.
Fludioxonil, a commonly used pesticide in fruits, vegetables, and grains, was also found in five products. It is believed to harm fetal growth, cause changes in immune cell structure, and disrupt hormones.
Products relying on apples were more likely to contain high levels of insecticide residues, and berries, pears, and strawberries were also among the products typically containing high levels of chemicals, according to “The Guardian.”