Why Opt for Glass-Packaged Chickpeas? Navigating Chemical Contaminants
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Chickpeas are a powerhouse of nutrients, filled with protein, vitamins, and minerals that make them an excellent addition to your diet. Pre-cooked canned chickpeas offer convenience, especially for whipping up delicious hummus. However, a word of caution: the Stiftung Warentest advises avoiding canned products due to potential chemical contaminants.
Bypassing the need for overnight soaking, canned chickpeas contain a toxic substance called phasin that is found in raw chickpeas. But what about the cans themselves?
The Austrian Association for Consumer Information (VKI) raised the alarm, testing ready-to-eat chickpeas for heavy metals, pesticides, glyphosate, nickel, and bisphenol A (BPA). According to the Stiftung Warentest, 18 of the 25 products tested contained BPA.
BPA: A Silent Danger
BPA is a hormone disruptor found in the epoxy resins used to line cans. It can seep into food and carry toxic effects on humans and the environment. Exposure to BPA has been linked to increased breast cancer risk, behavioral issues in children, obesity, and potential impacts on fertility.
Six out of the 25 products tested were deemed safe—all packed in glass. Additionally, three products had high levels of nickel, which could aggravate allergic reactions in those already sensitive.
Four glass-packaged chickpea products are readily available across Germany:
- dm Bio Chickpeas (350g, Drain Weight: 220g)
- Dennree Chickpeas (350g, Drain Weight: 250g)
- Alnatura Chickpeas (330g, Drain Weight: 220g)
- Marschland Demeter Bio Chickpeas (330g, Drain Weight: 220g)
Prices for these glass-packaged Treasures range from around 40 to 95 cents per 100g drain weight.
So, why glass? Glass packaging eliminates the risk of BPA contamination altogether, making it a safer choice when it comes to chemical exposure. While some manufacturers claim to use BPA-free linings, their long-term safety is uncertain, and they may still harbor endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Ultimately, choosing chickpeas packaged in glass reduces the risk of BPA exposure, making them a wiser choice compared to canned chickpeas with BPA-lined metal containers.
Sources: ntv.de, awi
- Food
- Consumer
- Health
- Stiftung Warentest
Community policies should consider the implications of food safety, as the Stiftung Warentest report raises concerns about chemical contaminants in canned food products like chickpeas. Science plays a crucial role in the investigation of such issues, providing information on harmful substances like BPA and its potential health risks which include increased breast cancer risk, behavioral issues in children, obesity, and impacts on fertility.
To support health-and-wellness and a nutritious lifestyle, employing policies that encourage food-and-drink packaging alternatives such as glass can be beneficial. Since glass eliminates the risk of BPA contamination, it offers a safer option for consumers looking to minimize chemical exposure. Moreover, providing information on the safety of various food packaging materials would empower consumers to make informed decisions regarding their dietary choices.
Further studies in the realm of nutrition and lifestyle could help identify other potentially harmful substances in food packaging and uncover alternative packaging solutions to promote the well-being of our communities.
