Bisphenol-A, also known as BPA, has been a health concern of debate among consumers, as it is frequently present in different forms of plastic containers used to store food items. Companies in this industry may want to consider developing food labels to alert shoppers of the potential presence of this chemical, specifically in light of a report that asserts the dangerous long term effects it may eventually have on consumers.
According to the report, which appeared in PLOS ONE, researchers examined the lifestyles of more than 1,300 children from different age groups in Shanghai and noticed a connection between high levels of BPA in urine samples and a high risk of obesity, particularly in girls. Although students of both genders were tested, there did not appear to be any noticeable effects in boys, no matter their age. What’s more, the risk seems to be particularly targeted towards girls between 9 and 12 years old, many of whom were already overweight.
This research was headed by Dr. De-Kun Li of Kaiser Permanente, who acknowledged why this chemical might affect that particular demographic.
“Girls in the midst of puberty may be more sensitive to the impacts of BPA on their energy balance and fat metabolism,” he said in a statement.
Other studies have already emerged linking chemicals derived from plastic with reproductive diseases.
While it can be difficult to account for every possible negative side effect on a single food label, using a Primera LX900 color label printer can allow designers, food companies and others the chance to strategically place notifications to keep their consumers aware of what they’re purchasing.
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