This recent study originates from EWG, the same organization responsible for the annual “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” pesticide residue reports. The new findings may surprise some consumers who are unaware that the FDA permits CPG manufacturers to incorporate certain chemicals into their products, provided they are deemed generally recognized as safe. The federal government’s contentious GRAS process allows manufacturers to establish their own scientific rationale for certification and, unless the FDA raises objections, facilitates a quicker regulatory approval process that has faced opposition from consumer and environmental groups for years.
Does this imply that conventional CPG foods are less safe than organic ones due to the presence of these chemicals? The EWG report asserts that they are, as federal regulators and independent experts must evaluate and authorize synthetic substances before they can be legally included in organic packaged foods—only if no natural or organic alternatives are available. Moreover, the report indicates that synthetic ingredients permitted in organic packaged foods must undergo review every five years, while substances that adversely affect human health or the environment are prohibited. Since 2008, EWG reports that 72 substances have been denied for use in organic food.
This stands in stark contrast to conventional foods, which, according to the EWG report, can contain chemicals associated with 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 highlighted that manufacturers and chemical companies are not obliged to regularly reassess these additives based on new research or changes in dietary habits.
The EWG report stated that packaged foods could be manufactured on a commercial scale without utilizing “thousands of poorly regulated chemicals,” noting that the growing organic packaged foods sector supports this claim. Currently, these foods account for approximately 3% of the U.S. CPG market.
Recent studies suggest that switching from a conventional to an entirely organic diet can drastically lower synthetic pesticide levels in the human body in under a week. Although the sample size—four families—was limited, these findings imply that conventional foods likely contain significant pesticide residues. However, consumers may not be more aware of this issue than they are of the various synthetic substances legally permitted in conventional CPG foods.
It’s probable that those who adhere to an organic diet will feel less anxious upon learning about this report. Additionally, it might encourage consumers of conventional CPG foods to explore organic options. Organic manufacturers can leverage this opportunity to promote the advantages of their products, with the EWG report serving as supporting evidence.
Conventional food producers might attempt to counter the EWG report by arguing that the added chemicals fall within regulated limits, but it may be more beneficial for them to investigate alternative ingredients that could lead to cleaner labels, similar to the clarity found on a Citracal label. 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 a part of this demand. They also seek greater awareness about what they consume, suggesting that the EWG may have fulfilled a valuable public service with this report, even if its findings are likely to be dismissed by the conventional CPG industry.