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Imagine constantly worrying about the food you eat, every single day. That's what it's like for many people with food allergies. This constant stress and fear can really affect their mental health, making them feel anxious, sad, or even depressed.

A new study found that most adults with food allergies and parents of kids with allergies feel this way. They worry about things like:

• Having a serious allergic reaction: This is a big fear, as reactions can be life-threatening.

• Accidentally eating something unsafe: It can be hard to avoid certain foods, especially when eating out or at school.

• Missing out on normal activities: Food allergies can make it difficult to enjoy things like parties, sleepovers, and travel.

• Their child being bullied: Sadly, kids with food allergies are sometimes bullied because of their condition.

The study also found that very few people with food allergies get help for these mental health struggles. This is a big problem because:

• Most people don't get screened for these issues: Doctors often don't ask about anxiety or depression during allergy appointments.

• Getting help is expensive: Therapy and counseling can be costly, and many people can't afford it.

The researchers behind the study want to change this. They believe everyone with food allergies should be able to get the mental health support they need. They're working on creating online resources to help people cope with the emotional challenges of food allergies.

In short:

Living with food allergies can be tough, not just physically, but mentally too. Many people struggle with anxiety and sadness, but don't get the support they need. This needs to change so that people with food allergies can live full and happy lives.

If you think you see the last of your food wrappers once you dispose of them, you may want to think again. 

A new study revealed that nearly 4,000 chemicals used for food packaging can have lasting impacts on the human body, with traces detectable in urine, breast milk, and blood. Additionally, many of these chemicals have been known to be detrimental to consumers’ health long-term.

“This work highlights the fact that food contact materials are not fully safe, even though they may comply with regulations, because they transfer known hazardous chemicals into people,” said researcher Dr. Jane Muncke. “We would like this new evidence base to be used for improving the safety of food contact materials – both in terms of regulations but also in the development of safer alternatives.” 

The risks of food wrappers

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from five human biomonitoring programs, three metabolome/exposome databases, and recent studies that included information on more than 14,000 food contact chemicals (FCCs). 

Ultimately, their analysis revealed that 3,601 chemicals, or 25%, were found in humans. This means that the chemicals that are used to make food packaging are then leaching into the human body. 

“There are surprisingly many hazardous chemicals used in food contact materials, and they do not just stay there, but quite some of them reach, to some extent, the human body,” said researcher Dr. Martin Scheringer. “This is concerning, and there clearly is a need for safer and simpler food contact materials.”

Some of the well-known chemicals that have long been detected in food packaging include metals, bisphenols, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates, and volatile organic compounds. Exposure to these chemicals comes with a long list of health hazards – a higher risk of cancer, reproductive issues, fertility issues, immune system issues, developmental delays, behavioral changes, and more. 

There are still unknowns

In addition to uncovering the chemicals studies have long identified in food packaging, the researchers also identified thousands of new chemicals. The primary concern is that the long-term health effects of these lesser-known chemicals are also unknown. So, as consumers continue to be exposed to them, it remains unclear how that exposure is affecting them. 

“We already knew that problematic chemicals in food packaging are not limited to well-known substances such as bisphenol and phthalates, but we were surprised by the high number of food contact chemicals for which some evidence of human exposure exists,” said researcher Olwenn Martin.

“This shows that there needs to be more research about the toxicity and exposure to many chemicals and regulation around their use in food packaging.” 

Cinnamon is a favorite spice around the holidays, but this year consumers should be mindful of what increasingly comes with that spicy flavor – unhealthy levels of lead.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued eight recalls for cinnamon products since June 1 because of lead content. The most recent came in recent days when Asli Fine Foods issued a recall for Asli Cinnamon Powder because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead. 

The issue began to gain attention in late 2023 when the FDA issued an advisory to parents and caregivers not to buy WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches because the company recalled the product for having too much lead. In the months that followed several children were treated for lead poisoning. 

There have been 519 cases in 44 states of lead poisoning linked to the food as of March 22, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In spite of all the attention, cinnamon with elevated lead levels is still out there. Consumer Reports this month released a lab analysis showing that most of the 36 cinnamon products it tested had concerning amounts of lead.

So, how in the world does lead get into ground cinnamon? According to food safety experts, contaminated soil, unsafe food production and sellers mixing lead into spices are the likely culprits.

Three ways lead gets into cinnamon

Most, if not all, of the tainted ground cinnamon came from Ecuador, where the FDA said some sellers may have mixed in lead to increase the cinnamon's value by adding weight and more vibrant color.

“These recent cases may reflect a step up in surveillance,” Thomas Gremillion, director of food policy at the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America, told ConsumerAffairs earlier this year. “They may also be an indication, however, that the apple sauce incident was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.”

Lead can also get into root crops like sweet potatoes and fruit like grapes if the soil is contaminated, food safety experts say. Lead can also get into food by coming in contact with other metals, such as aluminum, tin, brass and bronze, which is more of a problem in countries slower to phase out of lead or where it still in pipes and paint.

To ensure food is safe, Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog at the nonprofit U.S. Public Interest Research Group, says companies selling in the U.S. should focus on working with trusted partners, distributors and importers.

She adds that domestic and foreign suppliers should test their products voluntarily to meet safety standards.

Earlier this year, a study highlighted the potential health risks women are exposed to due to the alarming number of metals found in tampons. 

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working on a new study to get to the bottom of this issue and better understand how these metals are affecting women’s health. 

The decision comes after a group of senators, led by Patty Murphy (D-Wash.), put pressure on the FDA to take this issue seriously. Murphy wrote a letter to the FDA in July, emphasizing the importance of further testing to better understand the effects that this metal exposure can have on women’s health. 

“Women use about 7,400 tampons over the course of their reproductive years, so the presence of potentially harmful metals and chemicals in these products is incredibly concerning,” the members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wrote. 

“Exposure to heavy metals can cause severe negative health effects, including damage to the cardiovascular system and liver, and an increased risk of cancer, among many other complications. The FDA must review and improve the current safety standards for tampons. We urge the FDA to take swift action to ensure that women are safe from harmful and toxic substances in tampons.” 

What are the next steps?

The FDA has outlined its next steps to ensuring women’s health and safety. 

The first step is a deep dive of currently existing literature to see what previous studies have found regarding metal exposure from tampon use. The agency has hired an independent contractor to take on this job, with the primary goal of tackling three major questions: 

• What does the literature describe regarding prevalence, levels, and types of biomarkers (indicators of disease) found in individuals using tampons, and how does that differ from normal/expected values? 

• What health outcomes are described in the literature associated with tampon use (not including toxic shock syndrome), and how is the frequency of these health outcomes different from those not using tampons? 

• What does the literature describe in terms of laboratory measures from testing tampons? 

In addition to the literature review, the FDA will be conducting its own, more in-depth study on the risks women face from metal exposure in tampons. 

The initial study tested 30 types of tampons from over a dozen different brands, testing the levels of 16 metals. The results were unanimous: all of the metals were detected in the tampons, and each type of tampon contained some concentration of metal. 

With the results from this new study, the agency will be better able to guide consumers on the potential health risks associated with tampon use. 

“Millions of American consumers use tampons,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-N.Y.). “They should be able to trust that the products they see on store shelves are properly regulated and will not negatively affect their health and wellbeing. 

Other health risks associated with tampons

While tampons are generally considered safe and effective for menstrual management, there are a few potential health risks associated with their use:

1. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS):

This is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can be associated with tampon use.  Symptoms include high fever, rash, low blood pressure, and organ failure.

Risk factors include using high-absorbency tampons, leaving them in for too long, and having cuts or abrasions in the vagina. To reduce risk, change tampons every 4-8 hours, avoid super-absorbent tampons, and consider alternative menstrual products like pads or menstrual cups.  

2. Irritation and Allergic Reactions:

Some people may experience vaginal irritation or allergic reactions to the materials in tampons, such as fragrances or dyes. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, and swelling.  

If you experience these symptoms, switch to unscented tampons or try a different brand.

3. Exposure to Chemicals:

Concerns have been raised about potential exposure to trace amounts of chemicals in tampons, such as dioxins and pesticides. The long-term effects of this exposure are not fully understood, but research is ongoing.

Choosing organic or unbleached cotton tampons may reduce exposure to certain chemicals.

4. Forgotten Tampons:

Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase the risk of bacterial growth and infection. Symptoms may include foul odor, vaginal discharge, and discomfort.  

If you suspect you have a forgotten tampon, seek medical attention promptly.

It's important to note that most people who use tampons do so without experiencing any health problems. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to minimize them. If you have any concerns about using tampons, consult with your healthcare provider.

Alternatives to tampons

There are several alternatives to tampons that offer a range of benefits and drawbacks depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle:

1. Menstrual Cups:

• Pros: Reusable, eco-friendly, can be worn for up to 12 hours, no risk of TSS.

• Cons: Requires initial learning curve for insertion and removal, can be messy to empty, may not be suitable for everyone.

2. Menstrual Discs:

• Pros: Disposable, similar to cups in terms of wear time and comfort, can be worn during sex.

• Cons: Less eco-friendly than cups, can be tricky to insert and remove.

3. Period Underwear:

• Pros: Reusable, comfortable, can be worn alone or as backup protection.  

• Cons: Can be expensive initially, requires regular washing, may not be suitable for heavy flow.

4. Reusable Cloth Pads:

• Pros: Eco-friendly, customizable absorbency, soft and comfortable.  

• Cons: Requires regular washing and drying, may not be as convenient as disposables.

5. Sea Sponges:

• Pros: Natural and reusable, can be worn during sex, gentle on the body.

• Cons: Not regulated by the FDA, can be difficult to clean and maintain, potential for bacterial growth if not properly cared for.

6. Menstrual Pads:

• Pros: Widely available, easy to use, variety of sizes and absorbencies.  

• Cons: Disposable, can be bulky and uncomfortable, may contribute to environmental waste.  

Ultimately, the best alternative to tampons depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as comfort, convenience, sustainability, and cost when choosing the right option for you. Don't hesitate to try different products until you find the perfect fit.

Remember: It's always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about menstrual hygiene products.