The Problem of Chemical Containments in Food

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All across the world our supply of food is dependent on our water supply. Therefore it only makes sense that if we have contaminated water then we have contaminated food. Most of this contamination comes from bacteria produced by waste dumped into sources of water but it can also come from pesticides draining from crops or radiation. Public water supplies have been tested for radioactive waste and sure enough they found traces of strontium 90 and cesium which both effect our bones and muscles (Brown, 2014). Other water pollutants are metals such as lead, mercury, cobalt and zinc. In a study of the 50 states water was taken from water supplies and in three of those samples scientists found levels of these metals above a safe level (Jones, Gadler & Engstrom 1971). It is not only that the water is contaminated, but that the organisms are succumbed to those conditions and they too become contaminated and when we consume them those, toxins and metals are carried over into our bodies. There have been many cases of the sale of fish from certain areas being banned due to an unsafe amount of chemicals, such as the case of American importers brought in 120,000 pounds of fish that were contaminated with malachite green (Udesky, 2011).

When it comes to the problem of chemical contamination in our food a solution needs to become clear. Whether it is through pesticides on a farm, food additives and FCMs or through our basic necessity of life we need to find a way to keep our food clean. In all of the other big countries around the world harmful chemicals in their food have been banned but for some reason the United States has decided to hold on to their laws that allows for the contamination of food. Everyday people are at a constant risk of defects, cancer or even death yet we still have no solution. When a problem becomes as big as this you would think that the government would come in and solve it, well it’s time for this problem to be solved.

References

Barton, A. (2014, February 19). Scientists raise concerns over chemicals leaching into food from packaging; Study authors suggest that long-term exposure to chemicals in food may be partly responsible for increased rates of chronic diseases such as cancer, autism and infertility. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from Factivia

Brown, H. (2014, March 24). Fukushima still in need after three years. Washington Square News. Retrieved from Factivia

Hoffman, M. (2014). Web MD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/food- recipes/features/cookware-plastics-shoppers-guide-to-food-safety

Jones, Gadler, & Engstrom. (1971). Pollution: The food we eat. Don Mills, Ontario: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd.

Scauzillo, A. (2014, February 18). Food security reaching a crescendo in U.S. San Bernardino Sun. Retrieved from LexisNexis

Udesky, L. (2011). Fair Warning Reports. Retrieved from: http://www.fairwarning.org/2011/07/imported-fish-with-banned-chemicals-reaching- u-s-consumers/

Wijayaratne, S.M. (2014, February 13). Call to keep away from chemicals in fruit, vegetable cultivations. Daily News. Retrieved from Factivia

Willey, J. (2014, February 20). Toxic chemicals found in food packaging pose a long-term health risk to consumers. Express. Retrieved from Factivia