The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that parents avoid using plastic food containers because of concerns that chemicals found in food colorings, preservatives and packaging may harm children's health.
In a policy statement issued Monday, the physicians' group said a growing body of evidence suggests that some chemicals currently allowed in food and its packaging can interfere with a child's hormones, growth and development.
And the regulatory system intended to protect consumers is in need of an overhaul, says the president of the Maine chapter of the AAP, Dr. Stephen Meister. Meister says the AAP found that a review of 450 chemicals that have been deemed safe were evaluated by manufacturers, their employees or consultants hired by the manufacturer.
Meister says consumers can avoid food packages that contain hormone-disrupting chemicals such as BPA and phthalates by looking for the recycling number.
"All you have to do is turn the container over, and it will tell you the number on the bottom. Avoid 3, 6, and 7's."
Meister says consumers should also prioritize eating fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and should also avoid processed meat.
