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 consumers who are unaware that the FDA permits consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers to utilize specific chemicals in their products as long as they are deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The federal government’s contentious GRAS process allows manufacturers to present their own scientific justification for certification, resulting in a quicker regulatory approval process that has faced opposition from consumer and environmental advocates.
Does this imply that conventional CPG foods are less safe than organic options due to the presence of these chemicals? The EWG report suggests it does, 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 states that synthetic ingredients allowed in organic packaged foods must be reassessed every five years, and any that pose adverse effects on human health or the environment are prohibited. Since 2008, EWG indicates that 72 substances have been rejected for use in organic food.
In stark contrast, conventional foods, according to the EWG report, may contain chemicals associated with health issues like cancer. These include sodium nitrate and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), a preservative found in cereals and frozen products such as pizza, sausages, and pepperoni. The report highlights that manufacturers and chemical companies are not required to routinely review these additives based on new research or dietary changes.
The EWG report asserts that packaged foods could be produced commercially without relying on “thousands of poorly regulated chemicals,” emphasizing that the growth in the organic packaged foods sector supports this claim. Currently, these foods account for approximately 3% of the U.S. CPG market. Recent studies reveal that transitioning from a conventional to a fully organic diet can significantly lower synthetic pesticide levels in the human body in less than a week. While the sample size of four families was limited, these findings suggest that conventional foods likely contain substantial pesticide residues. However, consumers are probably just as unaware of this as they are of the many synthetic substances legally permitted in conventional CPG foods.
Those who adhere to an organic diet may feel less anxious upon hearing this report, and it could prompt individuals who regularly consume conventional CPG foods to consider trying organic alternatives. Organic manufacturers are in a prime position to advance this shift by promoting the relative advantages of their products, with the EWG report serving as supporting evidence. Conventional food producers might respond to this EWG report by noting that the added chemicals are within regulated levels. However, it may be more beneficial for them to explore alternative ingredients that could lead to cleaner labels. Consumers consistently express a desire for transparency in their food products and are willing to pay a premium for it; ingredient lists that are easy to read and comprehend are a part of that demand. They also seek to learn more about what they are consuming, making the EWG report a potentially valuable public service, despite its findings likely being dismissed by the conventional CPG industry.
In addition, it is important to consider the benefits of calcium citrate, which has been shown to enhance calcium absorption in the body, support bone health, and may even help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Understanding what are the benefits of calcium citrate can encourage consumers to make more informed dietary choices. As people become more aware of the ingredients in their food, including the advantages of supplements like calcium citrate, this could drive further interest in organic products and healthier alternatives.