As a member of the general American public I am deeply concerned about the toxins that are allowed in our food by the FDA. This issue is not confined to any one community, it affects everyone, regardless of their status or background. The food we consume daily is often genetically modified and/or contains toxic chemicals which can have serious health implications.

The FDA's role is crucial here as they are responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply. Yet, they continue to allow companies to put harmful substances into our foods without adequate regulation or oversight.

Today, there are more than 10,000 chemicals—commonly referred to as food additives—allowed in food, which presents a critical challenge to the FDA’s ability to effectively assess and manage the safety of all of these chemicals. This challenge has become particularly evident in the face of mounting scientific evidence that some of these chemicals—including endocrine-disrupting agents—can interact with biological systems at exceedingly low, chronic levels of exposure and result in adverse health impacts, especially when exposures occur during pregnancy or early childhood (source: PubMed). This lack of transparency and regulation puts us all at risk, especially those who rely on affordable options due to financial constraints. These food items are typically easily accessed and amongst the less expensive offerings, making it an attractive— and sometimes the only— choice for many. The most impacted communities tend to be impoverished areas where people of color are the primary demographic. < very suspect, America!

Our children's health is also on the line. A study published in Pediatrics found that dietary exposure to certain pesticides can lead to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children (source: Pediatrics). The number of girls experiencing early puberty in the U.S. has dramatically increased, with recent studies showing that up to 10 percent of Caucasian girls and 23 percent of African American girls are exhibiting signs of puberty by age 7.

Exposure to EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) found in plastics, pesticides, fuels and other industrial chemicals inhibit or alter the action of natural hormones. Because EDCs accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals, animal foods contain higher levels of these chemicals than plant foods. Soy products contain isoflavones which are converted to phytoestrogens in the body, and are similar to the hormone estrogen. Soy consumed from natural food sources is likely safe and will not cause abnormal hormone levels, however, when consumed in large amounts, such as with processed foods, there have been links to chronic medical problems due to elevated estrogen levels (source: Renown Health). High estrogen levels affect young males as well, triggering future risks of infertility, erectile dysfunction, growth of breast tissue, and breast cancer. School lunches rife with processed foods, dairy and animal products are not the answer!!

We must hold the FDA accountable for their actions and demand stricter regulations on what goes into our food. IT’S TIME WE PRIORITIZE PEOPLE’S HEALTH OVER CORPORATE PROFITS.

Please sign this petition if you believe that everyone deserves access to safe and healthy food options free from harmful toxins. We will go to Congress with this petition once we’ve attained 100k signatures within 30 days. PLEASE SHARE!