Food, cosmetics and packaging from major retailers contain hazardous plastics linked to health issues, according to a report from Toxic-Free Future.
Saul Elbein reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Toxic-Free Future’s 2024 Report Card reveals over 80% of surveyed retailers failed to replace harmful plastics with safer alternatives.
- Hazardous substances include PFAS, PFOS and PVC, which can mimic hormones and are linked to obesity, diabetes and cancer.
- Only a few companies, like Apple, Sephora and Target, achieved higher grades for using safer materials and designing non-toxic alternatives.
Key quote:
“Most retailers assessed do not know the chemical content of the products they sell.”
— Toxic-Free Future report
Why this matters:
Plastics in packaging can leach harmful chemicals into food and homes, posing serious health risks. Transparency and safer material alternatives are crucial, but most companies fail to meet these standards. The lack of clear supply chain accountability exacerbates the issue.
Read more: Is recycled plastic safe for food contact? If the company making it says so, according to the FDA
