The Dark Side of Dairy: Products Loaded with Harmful Chemicals

For decades, the dairy industry has marketed milk as an essential part of our everyday diets. In the early 20th century, the federal government even recommended that children drink up to four glasses daily. The National School Lunch Program even made it a mandatory part of school lunches. And yet, it isn't as beneficial as we have been led to believe, and many dairy products are loaded with harmful chemicals.

According to a Consumer Reports study that focuses on grocery staples most people keep in their homes, the foods we consume every day contain an unhealthy amount of plastics. The dairy products listed here were in the study as items containing high levels of plasticizers.

To compile a list of dairy products loaded with harmful chemicals, 24/7 Tempo consulted the Consumer Reports study, then studies published in Pub Med and the American Journal of Public Health. The Consumer Reports study looked at the amount of phthalates in 85 foods. All plastics, or phthalates, found in products were measured in nanograms.

It may be surprising to some that the study discovered that this plastic chemical was present in each item tested except for one, and phthalates were found in ten dairy products. When we learn more about what's in the food we eat, we can make better – and safer – choices.

It can be challenging to avoid plasticizers altogether because they are found in many food, beauty, and self-care products, and even dust, but knowing which products have considerable traces of plastic chemicals is a good idea. (Don't miss the foods with the highest levels of plastic.)

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 20,452 in nanograms

The dairy product with the highest level of phthalates was Fairlife Core Power High Protein Milk Shake, chocolate. It's important to note that the high levels of plastic chemicals were not dependent upon each product's packaging. Across the board, the packaging varied between plastic, paperboard, aluminum foil, and paper wrap.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 16,916 in nanograms

According to WEMU.org, dairy products are more susceptible to the plastic chemical for several reasons. First, the process of milking uses plastic elements. Secondly, warm milk is full of fat, making it an ideal gathering place for the fat-soluble phthalate chemical.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 10,948 in nanograms

General Mills is one of the top food manufacturers. However, several of their products were high on the CR list of foods with plasticizers.

The food with the highest level of phthalate was Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli, which contained 53,579 nanograms of this plasticizer. When tested, their Yoplait yogurt had 10,948 nanagrams.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 10,932 in nanograms

While nanograms sound like such a small amount, there are two facts to remember about plasticizers. First, according to the Consumer Report, phthalates may be cumulative.

This means even though the amount is small, what seeps into your bloodstream and body can stack up when continuously consumed. Secondly, even a tiny amount of phthalates in your system can be harmful.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 6,387 in nanograms

Plasticizers are endocrine disruptors. These disruptors can adversely affect health by interrupting estrogen and hormone production and regulation.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 4,620 in nanograms

Additionally, these endocrine disruptors can increase the risk of health concerns. These concerns include premature birth, infertility, certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 3,068 in nanograms

According to an American Journal of Public Health peer-reviewed article, when products are used or food is consumed with high levels of phthalates, it may also affect an unborn child in other ways; this article suggests that pre-natal exposure can also increase risks for several disorders, including attention, behavior, and learning disorders.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 1,756 in nanograms

A popular snack item for children is Jell-O pudding. Yet, in the Consumer Report, the study found 1,756 nanograms in each serving. A healthier choice of snack may be unpackaged vegetables or fruit.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 1,481 in nanograms

According to a study published by Pub Med, cheese wrapped in plastic had high levels of DBP and DEHP, both plasticizers. However, cheeses that were rolled or triangular had lower levels of plasticizers.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: in nanograms

Plasticizers may be difficult to avoid daily because of the highly processed nature of common products. However, by becoming more knowledgeable about the items that contain high levels of plasticizers, you can begin to make smart choices on the foods you and your family consume. (Avoid these fast-food items with excessive levels of plastic chemicals.)