The U.S. Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has sent legal notices to 11 companies for selling canned coconut water containing high levels of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), even though several products are labeled “BPA-free.”
Brands include: Vita Coco (“BPA-free”), Zola (“BPA-free”), C2O (“BPA-free package”), 365 Whole Foods Market (“BPA-free liner”), Parrot, Sprouts, Jarritos, Goya, Sun Harvest, Raley’s and Iberia.
The CEH tests follow a peer-reviewed study that showed high levels of BPA in canned beverages. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to reproductive dysfunction and brain and behavioral disorders. It has been linked to the development of diabetes, heart disease, erectile dysfunction and cancer.
“The problem with bisphenols like BPA is that they can mimic hormones like estrogen and block other hormone receptors, even at low levels, altering the way hormones control our bodies’ functions, and resulting in negative health effects,” said Mihir Vohra, lead scientist at CEH.
“Exposure during pregnancy has been associated with a variety of health problems in children. These problems include abnormal development of the mammary glands and ovaries, which can increase the likelihood of developing breast or ovarian cancer later in life. They also include abnormal development of the male reproductive systems, which can lead to delays or defects in puberty.”
BPA is one of thousands of chemicals that can leach into food during the manufacturing, processing, packaging and storage of the world’s food supplies, and end up in the human body. CEH tests showed high levels of BPA in canned coconut water, even when the products or their packaging were marketed as BPA-free.
“The multi-billion dollar coconut water industry is booming due to increased demand for healthy beverages,” said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, CEO of CEH. “But several major brands are undermining the purported health benefit of their products when they mislead consumers into believing they will be safe from BPA, a chemical we have known for decades to be harmful.”
Previous CEH tests found BPA in canned foods, receipts, socks and clothing from major sportswear brands. Earlier this year, CEH reached a landmark legal settlement with 30 companies, requiring them to remove BPA from socks.
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