NonToxic Dad News: Oct. 5, 2023

Welcome to our fifth edition of Non-toxic Weekly. This week, we discuss funky drinks, toxins in our food, and lead lurking in our homes. We also uncover the Starbucks lawsuit and the concept of culture greenwashing, revealing the deceptive practices that can occur within corporate culture. Finally, we examine the curious case of Wheat Thins, a popular snack sold in the USA but curiously absent from store shelves in Europe and Japan.

Do you ever find yourself in the grocery store, or in this case, the coffee shop, staring at a product and wondering, “Is this really as healthy or eco-friendly as it says?” I sure have. The recent buzz around Starbucks Lawsuit and their ‘Refresher’ drinks had me mulling over this very question. It got me thinking about the tricky terrain we navigate as consumers, especially when trying to make the best choices for our families in a culture of greenwashing.

Hey, fellow snack enthusiasts! Who among us hasn’t reached for a box of Wheat Thins during a movie night or packed them in our kids’ lunch boxes? They sound healthy enough, right? That name surely suggests they’re good for us. Well, I recently went down a rabbit hole that started with a simple snack and ended up being quite an eye-opener. Did you know that Wheat Thins are banned in Japan and Europe, but sold in the USA? Here’s what I found.

One reader asks: “Can you educate me about mycotoxins in food? ”

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi (molds) that can grow on various crops, including grains, nuts, and fruits, as well as in damp or poorly stored food products. These toxins pose a significant health risk to humans and animals when consumed, and here's why they are harmful:

1. Toxicity: Mycotoxins are potent toxins that can have adverse effects on human health. Different types of mycotoxins can cause a range of health problems, including acute poisoning, chronic illness, and even death in severe cases.

2. Food Contamination: Mycotoxins contaminate food and feed at various stages, from pre-harvest in the field to post-harvest during storage and processing. This contamination can be challenging to detect because mycotoxins are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

3. Health Impacts: When humans or animals consume mycotoxin-contaminated food, they can experience a variety of health issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Long-term exposure to mycotoxins has been linked to more severe health problems, including liver damage, immune system suppression, and an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Mycotoxins can contaminate a wide range of foods, but some foods are more commonly associated with mycotoxin contamination than others. Here are some of the top mycotoxin-prone foods:

1. Grains: Grains, such as wheat, maize (corn), rice, oats, and barley, are highly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxins like aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and fumonisins are often found in these grains, especially when they are grown, stored, or processed under conditions that promote fungal growth.

2. Nuts: Various types of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Peanuts, in particular, are known for being a common source of aflatoxin contamination.

3. Dried Fruits: Dried fruits like raisins, dried apricots, and dried figs can be prone to mycotoxin contamination, particularly ochratoxin A.

4. Coffee Beans: Coffee beans, both green and roasted, can be contaminated with mycotoxins, including ochratoxin A and aflatoxins.

5. Spices: Some spices, such as chili powder, paprika, and black pepper, have been found to contain mycotoxins like aflatoxins and ochratoxin A.

To reduce the risk of mycotoxin exposure, consumers should choose high-quality products, like mold-free (tested) coffee. Traditionally preparing (soaking and sprouting grains, nuts, and seeds) can help reduce mycotoxins as well.

Do you have a question you would like to ask our team? If so, send them over to [email protected].

Let's stop using plastic!

Many plastics contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food, water, and other products that come into contact with plastic. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and developmental delays in children.

Plastic items break down over time into tiny particles known as microplastics. These microplastics can contaminate air, water, and soil, and they have been found in various food sources. Inhaling or ingesting microplastics may have health implications, although more research is needed to fully understand their impact on human health.

Plastics contribute to environmental pollution when they are not properly disposed of or recycled. Plastic waste in oceans, rivers, and landfills can harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems. This pollution can also lead to the ingestion of plastic particles by marine animals, potentially entering the food chain and posing risks to human health.

Some plastics contain toxic additives like flame retardants, stabilizers, and colorants that can be toxic when released into the environment. These chemicals can accumulate in the food chain and have adverse effects on both wildlife and humans.

Certain chemicals in plastics can mimic hormones in the body, disrupting the endocrine system and potentially leading to health problems related to hormone regulation.

Ready to make a positive change in your life? 

Replace single-use plastics with reusable alternatives.

Swap plastic water bottles for reusable stainless steel ones.

Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.

Don't store leftovers in plastic bags or plastic containers, rather opt for glass or stainless steel.

Small changes like these can make a big impact on your health!

We hope that you found the information and updates provided to be valuable and informative. As always, we appreciate your continued support and engagement. We look forward to keeping you updated in our future newsletters. Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates from us.