Endocrine disrupters and food – new review from CCFRA

Endocrine disrupters and food – new review from CCFRA

A new review from CCFRA provides useful background on the endocrine disrupting chemicals of most interest to the food industry. Endocrine disrupters are chemicals that can interfere with the hormonal (endocrine) systems of humans and other animals – and, consequently, with the processes controlled by these hormones. Some are natural and some are man-made, and perhaps the most well known are those reported to affect fertility or gender in people or animals. Those of most interest to the food industry include those found in phytoestrogen-containing foods, such as brassicas and soya products, and those associated with some packaging materials.

Although there is a vast amount of information available on the subject of endocrine disrupters, some of the data are conflicting and it can be difficult to form a clear picture of what is clearly established and relevant and what is simply speculation or tentative conclusions. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Relevance to the Food Industry therefore provides an overview of endocrine disrupters and then discusses in more detail those chemicals of most concern to the food industry. It does not review in detail the nature or physiological basis of health effects, as these are covered elsewhere, though it does provide pointers to this information.

Further details are available from Mrs Sue Hocking, Publications Officer. Tel: +44(0)1386 842225; e-mail: pubs@campden.co.uk