“The potential for endocrine system disruption is of great concern, especially in early life, when developmental programming of organ systems is susceptible to permanent and lifelong disruption,” the authors state.

The aim of their recent report is to highlight the emerging child health concerns related to the use chemicals added to food and food packaging. The AAP is also calling for stronger food safety requirements from the FDA.

The report offered pediatricians the following guidance to give to families:

1. Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables when possible.

2. Avoid microwaving food or beverages (including infant formula and pumped human milk) in plastic, if possible.

3. Avoid placing plastics in the dishwasher.

4. Use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.

5. Look at the recycling code on the bottom of plastic products and avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene) and 7 (bisphenols) unless plastics are labeled as biobased or greenware, indicating they are made from corn and do not contain bisphenols.

6. Encourage handwashing before handling foods/drinks.

7. Wash all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled.