“There are more and more ultra-transformed plant foods (ultraproced novel Plant-Based Foods, NPBF) on the stores of stores”, observes Alicia Macan Schönleben, doctoral student at the Center de toxicologie de la University d’Antvers. “These products come from complex industrial transformation processes and generally contain many ingredients and additives.”
These products, which Belgians consume more and more, are however considered dangerous for health
Ultra-transformed plant substitutes can facilitate transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet. But scientific research focuses mainly on their environmental impact. On the other hand, there is little data on potential chemical contamination or the safety of these products, according to Alicia Macan Schönleben.
This is why the toxicology center has analyzed 52 transformed plant (ultra) plants bought in three European countries (Belgium, Germany and United Kingdom) in order to detect two classes of chemical substances: organophosphored flame delayers and plasticizers. The first are for example used in production facilities, while the latter are used to make the packaging more flexible.
The toxicity of these two types of substances is not yet fully established. However, studies suggest that some flame platifiers and delayers may have harmful effects on the brain or thyroid. They could also be carcinogenic and affect fertility.
Toxicologists have found that the NPBF studied presented higher concentrations of delay of organophospheric flame and plasticizers than their equivalents of animal origin. These levels were particularly high in cheese substitutes. Scientists suspect that these plant foods can be “contaminated” during their transformation process or through plastic packaging.
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“The consumption of these plant products has no direct health risk,” said Alicia Macan Schönleben. “However, we do not recommend replacing all animal products with NPBF. A balanced and complete plant diet is preferable to a diet largely based on these ultra-transformed products”.
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