Food should never have a Proposition 65 warning on it. However, some foods do have these warnings, so we should avoid them. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “more than 10,000 food additives are allowed for use in food sold in the U.S.” Many of these additives are preservatives, while others are used for color, shine, or stabilization of artificial flavors.¹

Following is a list of the types of substances to avoid. Remember, all the substances listed cause cancer, developmental problems in children, or reproductive issues.

Acrylamides

Acrylamides form in french fries, potato chips, other fried and baked snack foods, roasted asparagus, canned sweet potatoes and pumpkin, canned black olives, roasted nuts, roasted grain-based coffee substitutes, prune juice, breakfast cereals, crackers, some cookies, bread crusts, and toast. It is a chemical formed during cooking or processing at high temperatures (frying, roasting, grilling, baking) since it converts sugars and other naturally occurring substances in these foods to acrylamide. Boiling and steaming foods do not create acrylamides.²

“When you fry or cook potatoes and certain other foods at high temps, a substance called acrylamide forms through a chemical reaction between the sugars and amino acids. An analysis of 32 studies found that among non-smokers, dietary acrylamide consumption was associated with an increase in endometrial and ovarian cancers. It’s what makes potato chips and french fries taste so damn good. But…is it worth the danger?” -Darin Olien, Fatal Conveniences³

Arsenic

Rice, rice cereal, some edible seaweeds, seafood, poultry, and mushrooms can absorb arsenic from the environment. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “arsenic levels are higher in certain soils and rocks and where arsenic-containing pesticides were once used on food crops or from the current use of those pesticides on non-food crops, and pollution from mining, fracking, and coal-fired power plants.”⁴ The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the main source of arsenic contamination is polluted groundwater used for drinking, crop irrigation, and food preparation.⁵ Chronic arsenic poisoning often leads to cancer.

BPA (Bisphenol A)

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical that manufacturers use in plastic linings in cans (both the type for vegetables and beverages), jar lids, polycarbonate plastic bottles (#7 resin code), and bottle caps. It leaches into food. It is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to developmental and health problems in children (such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)); anxiety and depression; early puberty in girls; diabetes; obesity; and heart disease.⁶

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

BHA is a preservative used in cured and preserved meats and other foods. The substance is also found in certain rubber, plastics, and glues. Both the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer list it as a suspected carcinogen. Further, “the European Union classifies BHA as an endocrine disruptor because of its ability to lower testosterone and thyroid-hormone thyroxine.”⁷

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

BHT is a preservative used in cereals like Cap’n Crunch and Apple Jacks. It causes hormone disruption and harms the reproductive system. The European Food Safety Authority indicated that it may disrupt endocrine function by causing thyroid changes and affecting development.⁸

Cadmium

Cadmium is in certain fish, shellfish, organ meats, mushrooms, oats, root crops, and some leafy vegetables grown in cadmium-rich soils.⁹ A study from 2023 found that age groups 6–24 months and 24–60 months old were the most exposed to cadmium in foods. “American infants and young children of these age groups who regularly consumed rice, spinach, oats, barley, potatoes, and wheat had mean [cadmium] exposures exceeding maximum tolerable intake level was set by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).”¹⁰ It can cause renal failure and is a human carcinogen.

Flame Retardants

Flame retardants, particularly PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers), are known carcinogens that can also cause brain defects and hormone interference. These harmful chemicals are found in some farm-raised fish. Additionally, similar chemicals are used in certain ovenproof or microwavable plastic trays and plastic water bottles, which can lead to the leaching of chemicals into food and beverages. Several studies have documented the migration of chemicals from food packaging to food.

Lead

Lead is found in certain dietary supplements, balsamic vinegars, and imported spices such as turmeric and chili. Lead, along with cadmium, is also found in many types of chocolate. Exposure to lead is particularly harmful to children’s development, causing issues with hearing, speech, brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and learning and behavioral problems.¹¹

Mercury

Mercury is in many types of fish: king mackerel, shark, tilefish (from the Gulf of Mexico), swordfish, marlin, bigeye tuna, bluefin tuna, and orange roughy. Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, but the largest fish accumulate the most in their bodies. Mercury causes neurological and behavioral disorders such as tremors, insomnia, memory loss, neuromuscular effects, headaches, and cognitive and motor dysfunctions.¹² Refer to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch for the safest seafood, linked under Additional Resources.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals in plastics that can leach into food and beverages, especially when heated. They have been found in dairy products, meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and fast foods.¹³ Phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals that have been linked to many reproductive, developmental, and endocrine-related health problems.

PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances)

When waterways or environments are contaminated with PFAS, also known as “Forever Chemicals,” they can contaminate the food supply through plants and animals that are grown, raised, or processed in those polluted areas. Additionally, PFAS can migrate into foods through food packaging, certain types of take-out containers, food processing, and Teflon or nonstick cookware. This chemical family (PFAS, PFOA, PFC, etc.) can lead to issues such as altered metabolism and body weight regulation, increased risk of childhood obesity, reduced immune system function, and cancer.¹⁴

Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate is added to the flour of many packaged noodles, baked goods, bread, tortillas, and other foods made with flour.¹⁵ It is a possible human carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Multiple countries have banned it, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union – but not the United States. The substance is also used in industrial cleaning agents, bombs, and photo-developing solutions.¹⁶

Propyl Parabens

Propyl parabens are a preservative in processed foods like pastries and tortillas. But they’re also found in batteries, floor cleaner, and glue. When present in food, this chemical acts as an endocrine disruptor and can lead to developmental and reproductive harm.¹⁷

Styrene

Styrene and benzene from “Styrofoam” polystyrene take-out packaging can leach into food and beverages, especially with hot or reheated foods. Styrene is a known carcinogen and exposure increases the risk of leukemia and lymphoma and is a neurotoxin. Benzene is also a known carcinogen. Avoid take-out containers by bringing your own metal or glass leftover containers.

Synthetic Food Dyes

Manufacturers use synthetic food dyes in many foods and beverages. And especially candy! But these same colorants are also used in household cleaners, wood stains, pesticides, and even blue jeans. While not all food dyes are toxic and not all are on the Proposition 65 list, we know that certain dyes are carcinogenic. Others affect development and cause behavioral difficulties in children.¹⁸

Avoid Toxic Ingredients

Avoid the ingredients listed above, as they are the most toxic. If any food has a Proposition 65 warning, either put it back on the shelf or return it. No food should contain that type of warning.

Remember to avoid processed food as much as possible. Try to limit your consumption of seafood and meat, and minimize your use of food packaging. Processed foods include crackers, bread, canned goods, frozen or packaged meals, cereal, etc. In general, the less processed the food, the better it is for you. Always check the ingredients list. If it contains a chemical-sounding word or something you can’t pronounce, it’s best to avoid eating it.

I hope this helps! Thank you for reading, please share and subscribe!

“It’s better to pay the grocer than the doctor. And smarter to trust the farmer than the pharmacist.” -Darin Olien, Fatal Conveniences¹⁹

Additional Resource:

Website, Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.

Footnotes:

1. Article, “Common food additives in Cap’n Crunch and Apple Jacks cereal may harm human health,” ewg.org, October 6, 2021. ↩︎
2. Page, “Acrylamide,” Proposition 65 website, Updated February 2019. ↩︎
3. Book, Fatal Conveniences: The Toxic Products and Harmful Habits That Are Making You Sick―and the Simple Changes That Will Save Your Health, by Darin Olien, Harper, New York, 2023. ↩︎
4. Page, “Arsenic in Food,” Food and Drug Administration, accessed September 16, 2024. ↩︎
5. Page, “Arsenic,” World Health Organization, December 7, 2022. ↩︎
6. Page, “Bisphenol-A (BPA)/Bisfenol A (el BPA),” Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, accessed September 16, 2024. ↩︎
7. Article, “Common food additives in Cap’n Crunch and Apple Jacks cereal may harm human health,” ewg.org, October 6, 2021. ↩︎
8. Article, “Common food additives in Cap’n Crunch and Apple Jacks cereal may harm human health,” ewg.org, October 6, 2021. ↩︎
9. Page, “Foods,” Proposition 65 website, May 2021. ↩︎
10. Article, “Dietary exposure to cadmium from six common foods in the United States,” Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 178, August 2023. ↩︎
11. Page, “Lead Exposure Symptoms and Complications,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 10, 2024. ↩︎
12. Fact Sheet, “Mercury and health,” World Health Organization, March 31, 2017. ↩︎
13. Page, “Phthalates,” toxicfreefuture.org, accessed September 19, 2024. ↩︎
14. Page, “Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS),” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, update September 3, 2024. ↩︎
15. Page, “This cancer-causing chemical may be lurking in your bread,” ewg.org, May 4, 2022. ↩︎
16. Article, “From baguettes to bombs: Surprising industrial uses of common food chemicals,” ewg.org, June 6, 2024. ↩︎
17. Article, “From baguettes to bombs: Surprising industrial uses of common food chemicals,” ewg.org, June 6, 2024. ↩︎
18. Article, “From baguettes to bombs: Surprising industrial uses of common food chemicals,” ewg.org, June 6, 2024.  ↩︎
19. Book, Fatal Conveniences: The Toxic Products and Harmful Habits That Are Making You Sick―and the Simple Changes That Will Save Your Health, by Darin Olien, Harper, New York, 2023. ↩︎