Latest news with #TheEpochTimes
Gulf Insider
13 hours ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Overlooked Chemicals In Food May Threaten Your Health
Scientists are sounding the alarm on what they call an overlooked threat to public health: synthetic chemicals from packaging and processing equipment contaminating the food supply—particularly ultra-processed items—and potentially fueling a rise in chronic health conditions. A comprehensive review article recently published in Nature Medicine highlights some of the most prevalent types and sources of synthetic chemical contaminants in food: chemicals known as food contact chemicals (FCCs), which may contribute to chronic health conditions, including endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risks. The widespread nature of FCC contamination may have escaped public attention because these chemicals migrate invisibly into food through routine processes we usually consider safe. Unlike visible food safety concerns such as bacterial contamination or spoilage, FCCs transfer silently from materials that come into contact with food through four key routes, as identified by the researchers: transportation, processing, packaging, and preparation. Transportation introduces FCCs through storage containers and tubing systems used to move food products. During this stage, chemicals from container coatings and transport equipment can leach into foods—especially when exposed to temperature changes or extended contact periods. Food processing—the industrial transformation of raw ingredients into finished products—exposes foods to machinery, conveyor systems, and processing equipment that contain various synthetic materials. The high temperatures and mechanical processes involved in manufacturing can accelerate chemical migration from these surfaces. Plastic food packaging represents a significant source of contamination, as it involves prolonged direct contact between synthetic materials and food products. Food preparation, which differs from processing because it involves the final steps before consumption, often includes heating. Higher temperatures lead to increased migration, the researchers noted. All FCCs that migrate into food or drinks are important because people will likely ingest them, the authors wrote. The study identified how specific harmful substances migrate through these pathways. Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether—a known endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen—transfers from coatings of metal food storage containers during transportation and storage. Phthalates migrate from polyvinyl chloride tubing into milk during processing and transport. Even cleaning agents used to disinfect storage and transport containers can leave residues that end up in food. Fast food products face particularly high contamination levels because they encounter multiple packaging types throughout the production and service chain, including disposable containers, wrappers, and serving material, said Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and principal food consultant at Mendocino Food Consulting, in an interview with The Epoch Times. The health implications of FCC exposure extend far beyond minor concerns, with research linking these chemicals to severe chronic conditions that affect millions of people, according to the study. Phthalates in food packaging pose significant reproductive health risks, with certain types linked to preterm birth. This early delivery increases the risk of developing chronic conditions later in life, including kidney disease and diabetes. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)—a man-made chemical used as a plasticizer—demonstrates particularly concerning effects in adults, with studies associating exposure with obesity and diabetes. Some evidence shows a 40 to 69 percent probability that DEHP exposure directly causes these conditions. Perfluorooctanoic acid—another common food contact chemical—carries even more severe risks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as carcinogenic to humans, meaning it definitively causes cancer in people exposed to sufficient levels. Bisphenols, including the well-known bisphenol A (BPA), function as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body's hormone systems. This disruption can affect reproductive health, metabolism, and development, particularly in children and pregnant women. Alternatives like bio-based coatings, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free barriers, and safer plasticizers are currently available, but they come with trade-offs in cost, performance, and shelf life, said Vineet Dubey, a Los Angeles environmental attorney who focuses on consumer safety issues, in an interview with The Epoch Times. 'As always, change will take time and requires the buy-in of food companies, which have already invested in technology, factories, and industrial farm-to-table systems that package food the 'old' way,' he noted. Ultra-processed foods face the greatest contamination risk due to their complex manufacturing processes and extensive packaging requirements, according to the recent study. These products include breakfast cereals and bars, ready-made frozen meals, processed meats like chicken nuggets, energy drinks with significant added sugar, packaged bread, sodas, snacks like cookies and chips, candy, and condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise, Dr. Mia Kazanjian, the co-director of Stamford Health's Breast Center, who was not involved in the study, told The Epoch Times. 'These are the foods that are exposed to these chemicals most during the packaging, processing, and storage,' she said. Despite the widespread nature of FCC contamination, people can take practical steps to reduce their exposure and protect their health. Health experts recommend reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods when possible. Instead, prioritize fresh, whole foods that require minimal processing and packaging. When purchasing packaged foods, choose products with minimal packaging or packaging made from safer materials. Glass and stainless steel containers pose significantly lower risks than plastic alternatives because they are less likely to leach harmful chemicals into food. Replace plastic food storage containers with glass or stainless steel alternatives. These materials resist chemical migration better. Avoid heating food in plastic containers, as elevated temperatures accelerate chemical migration from plastic into food. Transfer food to glass or ceramic containers before microwaving or heating. Use wooden, glass, or stainless steel utensils and cutting boards instead of plastic alternatives when possible. Plastic cutting boards can contain hundreds of chemicals. Choose fresh ingredients over packaged alternatives when possible, and prepare meals at home rather than relying on heavily packaged convenience foods. Kazanjian expressed hope that in the foreseeable future, our food system can be redesigned to minimize the use of potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals. 'It starts with more widespread awareness,' she said, adding that the more people know about this, the more advocacy there will be, and the more movement we will have toward a safer food supply—but it will take time. 'But certain things can be done in short order,' Kazanjian added. 'For example, we need more advanced testing to pick up on all the chemicals in these products. Then we need food companies to avoid using them and invest in safer alternatives.' Lead study author Jane Muncke emphasizes the need for a 'holistic' approach to policymaking that integrates considerations of planetary and human health, including FCCs and their effects. Recent regulatory action provides some hope. In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revoked authorizations for 23 phthalates in food contact use and limited use to nine compounds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now requires manufacturers and processors of Di-n-pentyl phthalate, a specific phthalate, to notify the agency before starting or resuming new uses. According to Muncke, all food packaging, processing equipment, and other food contact materials require adequate safety testing regarding migrating food contact chemicals and microplastics using modern testing methods. Quoc Le said, 'The more we learn about this topic, the clearer it becomes that there is a real problem, which may explain many health problems that exist today—especially those that are severe and undiagnosed in some individuals.'
Epoch Times
17 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Locals Question Death Toll After Chemical Blast in Eastern China
An explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China's Shandong province on May 27 killed at least five people, injured 19, and left six others missing, according to official reports. However, Chinese authorities have a history of underreporting major accidents, often due to concerns that local officials could face disciplinary action if casualty numbers surpass certain thresholds. The blast occurred at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. plant in Weifang, Shandong Province. Locals told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times they believe the true death toll is significantly higher than reported. Videos circulating online showed extensive damage to nearby buildings and large plumes of smoke rising from the site.
Epoch Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Epoch Times
Good Sports: NTD Announces Sports Photography Award
The NIPC invites photographers to compete for its new award, titled: Best Sports Photography. The winner will receive $2,000 cash or $2,000 worth of photography products and equipment. Thomas Jefferson lauded exercise beyond physical fitness. 'I give more time to exercise of the body than of the mind, believing it wholesome to both,' he wrote on Dec. 15, 1810. Any sportsperson would concur; an individual or team player develops camaraderie and the muscles of diligence and perseverance. A sports photographer captures great sporting moments. A great sports photographer captures the action and the indomitable human spirit. NTD International Photography Competition (NIPC) judge, photographer Renee Luo told The Epoch Times: 'Sports photography inspires courage in people, representing a spirit of bravery, determination, fearlessness in the face of difficulties, overcoming personal weaknesses, and more.' The new NIPC award recognizes the specific skills required to take moving sports moments. Luo, who has been part of the NIPC judging panel since the first competition in 2008, says sports photographers need a thorough understanding of the different sports, be competent in taking action shots, and know the characteristics of people of different ages and genders. Then they can 'capture the most exciting and dynamic moments, particularly those that are thrilling and allow viewers to emotionally connect with the scene frozen in time.' She explained that sports images are 'generally captured in wide-angle shots, showcasing the explosive power of individuals or the competition among groups of people, often with an intense, fiery atmosphere. This requires clear facial expressions, as only with facial expressions can the speed and intensity of the sport be portrayed.' Related Stories 3/8/2025 7/18/2023 The sports award is an NIPC first, but budding entrants can look to previous competition award winners for inspiration. They submitted a wide range of sports images—from community sports, to age-old cultural activities and international events like the Olympics. Hubert Januar won a Silver Award in the Society & Humanity category of the Third NIPC for his photograph of the traditional Indonesian bull racing event: 'Pacu Jawi.' Januar captured a focused jockey balancing on a wooden plow, while steering his two charging bulls on the rice field race track. In the Fourth NIPC, Tsai-Chieh Liu won a Bronze Award in the News & Global Events category for a thrilling rugby tackle image of three players. A player has just kicked the ball to his teammate who clutches the ball while an opponent tackles him to the ground. Jeans Tsai won an Outstanding Technique Award in the News & Global Events category of the Second NTD International Photography Competition for a photograph of two exhausted runners supporting each other in a race to the finishing line. The NTD International Photography Competition Now in its fifth iteration, the NIPC invites photographers around the world to enter uplifting images. Hosted by The Epoch Times' sister outlet, NTD, the NIPC is one in a series of international art and cultural competitions that celebrate time-honored traditions. The competition's mission is to 'preserve traditional aesthetics,' so each entry must be free of digital editing. However, photographers can adjust the brightness, sharpness, and color balance of their images. The NIPC focuses on photographers' technical skills and manual dexterity, including hand-eye skills when setting up a shot. It invites entrants to submit luminous, naturalistic images that depict beauty and kindness. Photographers have until July 31, 2025, to register. Selected NIPC Award-winning Sports Photographs 'Support' by Jeans Tsai (Taiwan). News & Global Events category Outstanding Technique Award winner of the Second NTD International Photography Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Photography Competition 'Do My Best' by Tsai-Chieh Liu (Taiwan). News & Global Events category Bronze Award winner of the Fourth NTD International Photography Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Photography Competition 'On the Road' by Yating Yang (Taiwan). News & Global Events category Outstanding Technique Award winner of the Fourth NTD International Photography Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Photography Competition 'Flying' by Xiao-Lin Liu (China). News & Global Events category Outstanding Technique Award winner of the Second NTD International Photography Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Photography Competition 'Leap to Fame' by Tsung Pin Lu (Taiwan). News & Global Events category Outstanding Technique Award winner of the Fourth NTD International Photography Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Photography Competition 'Happiness in Beijing' by Xiao-Lin Liu (China). News & Global Events category Outstanding Technique Award winner of the Second NTD International Photography Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Photography Competition 'Hearts Together, Oars in Sync' by Chun Kit Wong (Hong Kong). News & Global Events category Outstanding Technique Award winner of the Third NTD International Photography Competition. Courtesy of the NTD International Photography Competition Finalists' work will be featured online and in an exhibition in New York City from Jan. 25 through Jan. 31, 2026. To find out more, visit What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Epoch Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Epoch Times
San Francisco School District Drops ‘Equitable Grading' Plan Amid Backlash
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has abandoned a proposal to follow a 'Grading for Equity' policy for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, after it drew criticisms from the community and officials. 'It's clear there are a lot of questions, concerns, and misinformation with this proposal. We want to make sure any changes benefit our students,' SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su said in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times on May 29. 'I have decided not to pursue this strategy for next year to ensure we have time to meaningfully engage the community.'
Epoch Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Epoch Times
U.S. State Department Monitoring Lucy Connolly Case Amid Free Speech Concerns
The U.S. State Department has said it is monitoring the case of Lucy Connolly, the British mother jailed for 31 months for a social media post made following the Southport murders, amid escalating free speech concerns from civil liberties groups in the UK. A spokesperson for the State Department told The Epoch Times in a statement: 'We can confirm that we are monitoring this matter. The United States supports freedom of expression at home and abroad, and remains concerned about infringements on freedom of expression.' In April, the UK government denied that free speech concerns raised by the State Department and Vice President JD Vance in relation to the criminal prosecutions of pro-life supporters had played a 'material role' in the trade tariff negotiations between the two nations. Connolly, from Northampton, was jailed after pleading guilty to inciting racial hatred following comments she made about illegal immigrants on social media platform X hours after teenage killer Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls in Southport on July 29 last year. The offending post called for 'mass deportation now,' adding: 'Set fire to all the [expletive] hotels full of the [expletive] for all I care, while you're at it take the treacherous government and politicians with them.' It had around 310,000 views and was reposted 940 times before Connolly deleted it three-and-a-half hours later, after she said she 'calmed down' and realised it wasn't acceptable. Summer Riots and Disinformation Connolly's offending post appeared in response to disinformation spread by a number of high-profile accounts on X, wrongly claiming that the Related Stories 4/2/2025 5/20/2025 The police later revealed that A week of The former childminder was jailed last October following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court and told she must serve 40 percent of the sentence before she can be released on licence. She is regarded by some as a free speech martyr, and has received support from groups including the Free Speech Union (FSU) and Democracy Three, which helped to The 42-year-old, who is married to former Conservative Councillor Ray Connolly, lost her appeal against the sentence last week, which her legal team argued was unduly harsh because she had deleted the offending post within four hours of writing it while she was in an emotionally distressed state. Former Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly (centre) with supporters include broadcaster Dan Wootton outside the Court of Appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London on May 15, 2025. Yui Mok/PA '10,000 Arrests a Year' Her husband said last Tuesday, following the failure of the appeal: 'Lucy posted one nasty tweet when she was upset and angry about three little girls who were brutally murdered in Southport. 'She realised the tweet was wrong and deleted it within four hours. That did not mean Lucy was a 'far right thug' as as Prime Minister [Sir] Keir Starmer claimed.' Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned in his most recent column in the Johnson said that there are now in the region of '10,000 arrests a year' because of things people have posted online, which is 'more than in Russia,' which he claimed was 'a propaganda gift' for the country's President Vladimir Putin. 'We denounced the Gestapo, resisted them and finally destroyed them. We despised the brutality and intimidation of the KGB, the Stasi, the Securitate. We hated the culture of spies and informers, where people monitored what you said and then sneakily reported it to the authorities,' Johnson added. A number of cases of people being questioned by police for online posts have hit the headlines in recent months, including the journalist Opposition ministers have raised their concerns about the Connolly case, including shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who said on Talk Radio, 'How on earth can you spend longer in prison for a tweet than [for] violent crime?' U.S. Vice-President JD Vance addresses the audience during the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 14, 2025. Matthias Schrader/AP Photo Labour MP Breaks Ranks Last week Mary Glindon became the first Labour MP to break party ranks, joining Conservative MPs in Weighing into the free speech row earlier this year, Vance told the Munich Security Conference in February of his concerns over the case of Adam Smith Connor, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran convicted for silent prayer in an abortion clinic buffer zone. Referring to 'the backslide away from conscience rights,' which has 'placed the basic liberties of religious Britons in particular in the crosshairs,' the vice president said that 'in Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.' Vance pledged that under the 'new sheriff in town,' President Donald Trump, 'We may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to offer them in the public square.' Son's Death Analysis of her archived posts shows that, using the X handle @LJCJ83 and changing the spelling of her name to 'Lucie,' Connolly was extremely active on the social media platform, regularly posting in the region of 100 times a day to more than 9,000 followers in the nine-month period prior to her arrest. Although she deleted her account following her arrest, some 10,000 of her archived posts reveal that she frequently commented on the subject of immigration, peppering her posts with profanities. On the day of the Southport attacks, she posted at least 118 times, including replies. She claimed that the balance of her mind had been affected by post-traumatic stress disorder when she heard about the murders, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Her defence argued that the death of Connolly's 19-month-old son in 2011 had affected her reaction to the brutal murders of Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, last July. She told the court that because medical negligence had led to the death of her son, she had little trust in authority or in official versions of events. Dismissing her appeal, Lord Justice Holroyde said the three High Court judges deciding her fate found it 'incredible' that Connolly had pleaded guilty without realising the offence of inciting hatred attracted a starting point of three years in custody, as she claimed. In a Starmer defended the sentencing of Connolly when challenged by Lowe in Parliament, saying: 'I am strongly in favour of free speech, we've had free speech in this country for a very long time and we protect it fiercely. 'But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people. I will always support the action taken by our police and courts to keep our streets and people safe.'
