A survey of U.S. supermarkets suggests fatty foods contain higher amounts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) than previously thought.
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Researchers from the University of Texas and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tested 32 samples from well-known brands in three major Dallas supermarkets, and found significant levels of the flame retardants in all food containing animal fats. Fish was the most contaminated, followed by meat and dairy products.
Researchers found a salmon fillet contaminated at approximately 3,000 parts per trillion (ppt) – the highest level in a similar Spanish study was 340 ppt. Meat levels were twice as high as Spanish samples. Used in plastics, textiles and electronics, PBDEs have been linked with cancer, endocrine disruption and brain impairment in laboratory rodents.
