This recent study originates from EWG, the same organization responsible for the annual “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” pesticide residue reports. The new revelations may surprise some consumers who are unaware that the FDA permits consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers to use certain chemicals in their products as long as they are deemed generally recognized as safe. The federal government’s contentious GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) process allows manufacturers to establish their own scientific justification for certification, leading to a more expedited regulatory approval process that has faced criticism from consumer and environmental advocates.
Does this imply that conventional CPG foods are less safe than organic foods due to the presence of these chemicals? The EWG report suggests that it does because federal regulators and independent experts must review and approve synthetic substances before they can be lawfully used in organic packaged foods, and only if no natural or organic alternatives exist. Additionally, the report states that synthetic ingredients allowed in organic packaged foods must undergo review every five years, and substances harmful to human health or the environment are prohibited. Since 2008, EWG reports that 72 substances have been denied for use in organic food, which starkly contrasts with conventional foods that may contain chemicals linked to health issues like cancer, such as sodium nitrate and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), a preservative found in cereals and frozen products like pizza, sausages, and pepperoni. The report highlights that manufacturers and chemical companies are not required to regularly reassess these additives in light of new research or dietary changes.
The EWG report asserts that packaged foods could be produced commercially without relying on “thousands of poorly regulated chemicals,” pointing to the growth in the organic packaged foods sector as evidence. Currently, these foods represent about 3% of the U.S. CPG market. Recent studies indicate that transitioning from a conventional to an all-organic diet can significantly lower synthetic pesticide levels in the human body in less than a week. While the sample size—consisting of four families—was limited, the findings suggest that conventional foods likely contain substantial pesticide residues. However, consumers may not be more aware of this than they are of the various synthetic substances legally permitted in conventional CPG foods.
Those adhering to an organic diet might feel less anxious after reading this report, potentially encouraging individuals who typically consume conventional CPG foods to consider organic alternatives. Organic manufacturers can leverage this opportunity by promoting the relative benefits of their products, using the EWG report as supporting evidence. Conventional food producers may respond to the EWG report by emphasizing that added chemicals fall within regulated limits. However, it could be more beneficial for them to explore alternative ingredients that would result in cleaner labels. Consumers consistently express a desire for transparency in their food choices and are willing to pay a premium for it—ingredient lists that are easy to read and comprehend are part of this demand. They also seek more information about their consumption habits, suggesting that the EWG has provided a valuable public service with this report, despite likely dismissal by the conventional CPG industry.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the additives in their food, they may turn to alternatives like nutricost calcium citrate powder, which offers a clearer label and transparency. With the growing interest in organic and clean-label products, the market may see a shift as consumers prioritize health and safety in their dietary choices, including the use of products like nutricost calcium citrate powder, which aligns with this trend.