FDA Food Testing Shows Widespread Rocket Fuel Contamination of Commonly Consumed Foods and Beverages

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher: Environmental Working Group

Author(s): Anila Jacob; Jane Houlihan

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: rocket fuel; perchlorate; children

Type: Report

Abstract:

A study published in January 2008 by scientists from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds that three quarters of nearly 300 commonly consumed foods and beverages are contaminated with perchlorate, a toxic rocket fuel ingredient (Murray et al 2008). EWG analysis of these results finds that the levels of perchlorate in food potentially put the health of millions of children at risk. Two-year-olds appear to be particularly vulnerable because they have graduated to real food and eat substantial amounts relative to their size.