Consumer Reports Urges General Mills to Cut Out Plastic Chemicals in Popular Products

Consumer Reports has taken a stand, urging General Mills to address what it deems as “concerning” levels of phthalates in some of its pre-packaged foods. The advocacy group’s letter, sent directly to General Mills on Wednesday, highlighted the presence of phthalates in various products, including the seemingly wholesome Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli, Yoplait Original Low Fat Yogurt, Cheerios Original, and Green Giant Cream Style Sweet Corn.

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Consumer Reports Food Policy Director, Brian Ronholm, expressed dismay, stating, “When you buy organic, the last thing you’d expect is that you would be eating plastic chemicals.”

Phthalates, commonly known as plasticizers, are chemicals used to enhance the durability and flexibility of plastics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies have linked these chemicals to adverse health outcomes such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Consumer Reports also took the initiative to launch a petition, calling on General Mills and its subsidiary, Annie’s, to eliminate plasticizers from their products. This move follows the organization’s January report, which detailed the plastic chemical contents of over 80 popular snacks and pre-prepared foods. The study unveiled that a staggering 99% of supermarket and fast foods contain phthalates, while 79% have traces of another potentially harmful substance known as bisphenol A.

“In a recent test of a wide variety of foods, Consumer Reports found plasticizers in every food product at very high levels, including several General Mills products,” the group stated in a letter addressed to General Mills CEO Jeffrey Harmening on February 7.

Acknowledging the inevitability of plasticizers entering the food supply, Consumer Reports emphasized the significance of reducing their presence. The organization asserted that even though these chemicals are prevalent in food, lower levels are achievable, as shown by their test results, and consumers expect the industry to meet these expectations.

General Mills is yet to respond to Consumer Reports’ request for comment on the matter.

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