Chemical Used in Rocket Fuel Found in Foods Commonly Fed to Babies and Children

A chemical used in rocket fuel and linked to serious health issues is also present in drinking water and many food products — with the highest levels found in foods commonly eaten by babies and children, according to a Consumer Reports investigation published Wednesday.

Perchlorate is a natural and human-made chemical that’s mostly used in the U.S. as a highly water-soluble salt component for rocket fuel and missiles. It’s also used in the production of other explosives, matches, batteries and plastics.

Perchlorate gets into food through contaminated groundwater used to irrigate crops or make processed foods. It’s also transferred to food from plastic food storage containers and old bleach — which can break down into perchlorate — used at food and water processing facilities.

The chemical is known to cause thyroid issues, which increases risk for metabolic disorders, and disruption of the brain and nervous system development in infants.

Federal regulators responsible for food and water safety have for decades been aware of water and soil contamination at locations where perchlorate has been stored, used or manufactured, according to the report, but haven’t taken the steps necessary to protect public health.

About 67% of the samples had ‘measurable’ levels of perchlorate

To assess perchlorate contamination in commonly eaten foods, researchers from Consumer Reports tested 196 samples of 73 grocery store foods and fast food items and their packaging.

About 67% of the samples had “measurable” levels of perchlorate. Overall, foods consumed by babies and children, along with fast food and fresh fruits and vegetables had the highest levels. In terms of packaging, foods in plastic containers had the highest levels, followed by foods in plastic wrap and paperboard.

None of the foods contained dangerous levels of perchlorate. However, the report said, that several servings of many of the foods in a day could add up to hazardous levels.

Also, because the chemical is present in so many foods, exposure over time can be dangerous — especially for pregnant women and children.

The researchers didn’t name the brands investigated. However, they did contact the manufacturers of the contaminated foods, none of whom responded.