There has been alot of information pertaining to BPA floating around the news at late.  BPA, the common abbreviation for Bisphenol A, is a compound found in several plastics (code 3 and some code 7) and food can liners.

Concerns about its effect on humans have been raised since the 1930’s, but it was only recently that these concerns became more prevalent.  The Endocrine Society has raised concerns about the probability of BPA as a Endocrine Disruptor.  An Endocrine Disruptor mimics the body’s hormones.  This is can be particularly harmful to developing fetuses, infants and toddlers.  There is also evidence that BPA contributes to obesity in adults and children.

The short of it in the least alarmist of terms.  This stuff isn’t very good for you and avoiding it is probably a good idea.

It’s surprisingly easy to do so.  Many new plastics are coming labeled “BPA Free.”  Glass is always a safe and inert alternative, which doesn’t leach.  A third alternative is the “Tertra Pak.”

While grocery shopping, I was mildly amazed at how many products are now available in Tetra Pak.  Everything from Vegetable Broth and Milk, arrived in my home, safely packaged in the brightly colored BPA free packaging.  It’s now the one of the safest way to package highly acidic foods like tomatoes.

Nothing can beat fresh or home canned.  But Tetra Pak is offering a reliable, safe packaging for those waiting for their veggies to come in.

Vegetarian Tater Soup

• 2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 pound russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 TB olive oil
• 2 cup water
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill

A new “Dirty Dozen” produce list has been released.  We have many of the usual suspects and some new face

A commonly occurring feature amongst dirty dozen listers is a thin skin. Yes, these fruits and vegetables are very sensitive. Celery and the leafy greens like kale and spinach don’t have a skin at all.
Tubers are also popular candidates for the Dirty Dozen, this years list features both carrots and potatoes.

Most everyone who knows me, know I advocate buying organic whenever you can. There are too many reasons to do so, potential pesticide ingestion not included.

But if you can’t afford to buy, or can’t find, organic alternatives, consider these as a “DO NOT BUY” list. Donating to the Environmental Working Group gets you a “Dirty Dozen/Safe Fifteen” fridge magnet. Or download this handy wallet card.

A great way to ensure that you are getting clean food, apart from growing it yourself, is to go to your local farmers market.  Many of the farmers there refuse to use pesticides since many of their employees are their own family.

Voting with your dollar is the only way we can ensure healthy and clean food in the future.  The food industry will evolve to supply the demanded product, so spend wisely.