Chemicals in Food

Farms in California can no longer buy a neurotoxic pesticide that can damage children’s brains and nervous systems.

As of today, chlorpyrifos is banned for sale in the state that grows most of the nation’s fresh produce. Farmers have until the end of the year to use any remaining stockpiles of the pesticide they have on hand.

The array of options for selecting and cooking your Thanksgiving turkey can make your head spin. Every cook has their preference – but many people may not realize that cooking methods can introduce potentially harmful chemicals or extra saturated fat into your bird. EWG is here to help, breaking down the pros and cons.

The recent discovery of fluorinated chemicals, or PFAS, in food packaging should serve as a reminder that our diets are as big a source as drinking water of these toxic compounds in our bodies.

Glyphosate, the most heavily used pesticide in the U.S., should be added to the list of toxic chemicals the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regularly measures in the bodies of the American people, Environmental Working Group said in a letter sent today to the CDC.

A recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration found per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS,  in food, including meat, seafood and dairy products; sweet potatoes; pineapples; leafy greens, and chocolate cake with icing.

A new analysis of Monsanto’s signature herbicide, glyphosate, released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, gives weight to studies connecting glyphosate and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and recommends monitoring children’s exposure to this toxic weedkiller.

10 food manufacturers and retailers have joined EWG’s petition to sharply limit glyphosate residues allowed on oats and prohibit the pesticide’s use as a pre-harvest drying agent.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) introduced legislation today to dramatically limit American children’s exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller, in food.

Americans are increasingly seeking “clean” foods that are free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. But although consumers who want to avoid toxic pesticides and antibiotics know to look for foods that are certified organic, many don’t know that federal rules also dramatically limit the use of synthetic substances in packaged organic foods like cereals, snacks and dressings.