Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 7/24/18

An army of pediatricians has jumped into the long-running debate over how Washington regulates (and doesn't regulate) food additives. On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics formally called for stricter regulation of not just additives but also food contact substances and even urged parents to avoid plastic — all to help children avoid any potential health risks from exposure.

The group's new policy statement notes there is limited data on how various food chemicals affect the health of infants and children, but contends that infants and children are "generally more vulnerable to chemical exposures." The statement highlights particular concern around chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system, like bisphenols and phthalates.

Refresh your memory: The food additive regulatory system has been under fire for many years. One of the biggest complaints has long been that the vast majority of substances used in food are self-determined by manufacturers to be GRAS and do not go through pre-market approval via a formal food-additive petition process. Under GRAS, companies are encouraged but not required to notify FDA of GRAS determinations.

Tips for parents: In addition to calling for stricter regulation, the group also made recommendations for pediatricians who are looking to help parents limit children's exposure to chemicals used in food and food packaging. The group's recommendations include that parents make eating fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables a priority. It also recommends limiting the consumption of processed meats (particularly during pregnancy), avoiding use of plastic when microwaving food and milk, including breast milk, and avoiding plastic food containers altogether.