This is just one of the many reasons why I soak beans overnight, slice fresh tomatoes and eat fresh pineapple instead of opening a can. I only cook with canned food in a pinch.
With a history of estrogen-receptive breast cancer in my family, I personally don't need additional exposure to Bisphenol A, a chemical known to mimic estrogen, especially when there are proven ways to lower exposure.
Consumer Reports found Bisphenol A or BPA in all canned foods and beverages tested back in 2009 which is why the group is calling for manufacturers to stop using BPA. Some countries, including Japan have already removed it. BPA is showing up in the majority of Americans, at rates higher than other populations studied.
Now, new tests of canned food marketed to children also found BPA lurking in the can liners.
It's used in the lining of most food or soda cans (you can sometimes see a white or clear plastic-like liner inside the can). The chemical leaches into food and beverages and has been linked to a variety of diseases including breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Fund tested these 6 canned foods that are marketed to children:
• Annie's Homegrown Cheesy Ravioli
• Campbell's Disney Princess Cool Shapes, Shaped Pasta with Chicken in Chicken Broth
• Campbell's Spaghettios with Meatballs
• Campbell's Toy Story Fun Shapes, Shaped Pasta with Chicken in Chicken Broth
• Chef Boyardee Whole Grain Pasta, Mini ABC's & 123's with Meatballs
• Earth's Best Organic Elmo Noodlemania Soup
According to the non-profit group, every food sample tested positive for BPA. BCF says Campbell's Disney Princess and Toy Story soups had the highest amounts. Researchers are concerned because the levels found in these children's foods disrupt the body's delicate, developing hormonal systems.
You can lower kids' exposure to BPA by cutting down on canned and processed foods and eating more fresh foods.
Campbell Soup Company spokesman Anthony Sanzio told Web MD:
"BPA is used by the entire industry as a can lining to protect the food because it is approved for that use," says Sanzio. "We are talking about parts per billion here. These are very small, minute amounts that regulatory bodies have said don't pose a threat to human health."
"We are confident in what the science tells us, but that does not mean that we don't understand the concerns that consumers have expressed," says Sanzio.
Click here to see how to lower your child's exposure to BPA
Click here to read Washington Post article about how BPA lobbyists are trying to stop the chemical from being banned.
Get a fresh perspective on health: Heather's Natural Health
