A new investigation by Consumer Reports has revealed that perchlorate, a chemical commonly found in rocket fuel, has contaminated both food and drinking water, especially affecting products marketed to infants and children.

This substance can be both naturally occurring and man-made, and it is increasingly detected in groundwater sources, according to the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

This situation raises concerns, as highlighted by James Rogers, Ph. D., the Director of Food Safety Research and Testing at Consumer Reports.

Rogers, who specializes in food and water microbiology, points out that the majority of contaminated foods are aimed at children, including cereals and chicken nuggets.

Which food items have the highest contamination?

The Consumer Reports study evaluated “196 samples from 63 supermarket items and 10 fast food menu selections.” The following product types were found to have the highest concentrations of perchlorate:

Here are specific foods that showed the largest amounts of perchlorate, according to Rogers:

• Beef burritos
• Chicken sandwiches
• French fries
• Fried chicken
• Chicken nuggets
• Steak tacos
• Mac and cheese (Note: According to the FDA, boxed macaroni and cheese had lower levels compared to tests from 2005 to 2006.)
• Rice cereal
• Multigrain cereal
• Whole milk yogurt

What constitutes alarming levels of perchlorate?

The tested food did not show harmful amounts of perchlorate, but Rogers emphasizes that there isn’t a clear standard defining what qualifies as a “harmful level.”

“For example, different considerations are made in Europe compared to what the [Food and Drug Administration] would implement,” explained Rogers. “However, we still lack definitive guidelines on this.”

Healthcare professionals may advocate for lowering the FDA’s recommended levels, adding to the confusion surrounding this issue.

“This happens frequently,” mentioned Rogers. “Experts often suggest that the safety levels are set lower than those established by federal regulatory agencies, and in some progressive states like California and Massachusetts, even stricter regulations can be enacted.”

These states appear to adopt a more cautious approach to determining what constitutes a safe level and can swiftly implement regulations.

What impact does perchlorate have on the thyroid?

Rogers warns that excessive intake of perchlorate can adversely affect thyroid health.

“Because thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, poor thyroid function could potentially lead to type 2 diabetes,” noted Rogers, who oversees Product Safety Testing at Consumer Reports and has been a part of the organization for over seven years.

Thyroid issues can result in Type 2 Diabetes in adults, while children and fetuses may encounter developmental challenges that can lower their IQ.

Exposure to significant perchlorate levels can disrupt thyroid function in several ways, as indicated by the Food and Drug Administration. This includes interfering with iodide absorption into the thyroid gland, impacting thyroid operations, and potentially reducing hormone production.

How can you minimize perchlorate consumption?

Avoiding this chemical completely may prove difficult.

“The type of food you choose, whether organic or conventional, won’t change your exposure to this chemical,” said Rogers.

To steer clear of perchlorate in drinking water, he recommends testing your water supply, and if perchlorate is detected, consider using a reverse osmosis filter to eliminate it from your tap water.

What are the uses of perchlorate?

This chemical is produced in the U.S. and is primarily utilized in solid rocket fuel.

It is also involved in making highway safety flares, fireworks, matches, pyrotechnics, explosives, standard batteries, and vehicle safety restraints.

What steps can we take regarding perchlorate?

This marks the first examination of perchlorate levels in food and water in over ten years. At present, there are no federal regulations concerning this chemical. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that it will establish limits on perchlorate by November 21, 2025, as noted in a study by Consumer Reports.