Endocrine disruptors in food: what the evidence says

What is an endocrine disruptor?

An endocrine disruptor is an external substance that alters a hormonal function and, as a consequence, causes an adverse effect. This is the definition used in the report by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme [1].

Detecting hormonal activity in an experiment is not, by itself, enough to demonstrate harm in people.

Substances studied include bisphenol A, some phthalates, certain pesticides and some perfluorinated substances. These are different groups. Their presence, uses and routes of exposure cannot be treated as if they were a single ingredient. Nor does every plastic contain bisphenol A [2].

How can they get into food?

Some substances migrate from food-contact materials. Bisphenol A was used in certain rigid plastics and can linings [2]. Some phthalates have been used as additives in food plastics [3].

In 2019, the European assessment of five phthalates concluded that estimated exposure through food was not a concern, with provisional tolerable daily amounts established [3]. The fact that a material is plastic does not tell us which substance it contains or how much migrates.

The environment is another route. Some perfluorinated substances can reach food from contaminated water or soil [4]. Dioxins persist and accumulate along the food chain, especially in animal fatty tissues [5]. This is not a reason to avoid fish, eggs or dairy products on your own; risk depends on actual exposure.

What do we know in people, and what remains unknown?

There are associations between exposure to certain compounds and some effects on reproductive health, metabolism or development [1] [6]. An association does not allow us to claim that a specific substance caused a disease in an individual. Mixtures, exposures that change over time and sensitive periods such as pregnancy are being studied [1].

In addition, exposure is measured in different ways. A urine sample may describe one point in time; a disease may appear years later. Other factors, such as age, diet and environment, also play a role [1]. For this reason, we do not use a list of diagnoses as a personal prognosis.

Reducing an avoidable exposure can be simple; living in fear of food does not help people make better decisions.

Bisphenol A has undergone a specific assessment. In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority considered estimated dietary exposure to be a concern for all age groups. The immune system response was the effect that weighed most heavily in its assessment [2].

That assessment used population-wide exposure estimates, predates the new limit, and concerns population-level risk.

What have the authorities decided about bisphenol A?

The 2023 reassessment set a tolerable daily intake of 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day, around 20,000 times below the previous figure of 4 micrograms [2]. It is used to set regulations, not for calculations at home.

Afterwards, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, published on 31 December 2024 and in force since 20 January 2025 [7]. It bans bisphenol A in food-contact materials, including plastics, varnishes and coatings, with some exceptions [7]. Since 20 July 2026, most packaging made with it can no longer be sold [7]. Cans for fruit, vegetables and fish have until 20 July 2028, and products already packaged may be sold until stocks run out [7]. There is no need to throw away the cans in your pantry.

The regulation governs manufacturing and marketing. The scientific assessment explains the risk that prompted the measure. These serve different purposes. If you are unsure about a reusable container, follow its instructions for use.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and early childhood

Pregnancy and the first years of life deserve more attention because hormonal development is sensitive to certain exposures [1]. This does not mean that a single meal has been shown to cause harm. For children, do not follow diets to avoid supposed toxins. In consultations, we look for practical changes without cutting out valuable foods or adding distress.

Because of mercury, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition advises avoiding swordfish, shark, bluefin tuna and pike. This precaution applies when planning a pregnancy, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and to children under 10 [8]. It is a precaution about mercury; other fish species can still be eaten. Details are in the guide to what not to eat during pregnancy.

If you are planning a pregnancy, you can also read the guide to nutrition before pregnancy, and during pregnancy, the pregnancy nutrition guide.

Everyday steps that make sense

Heat and contact time affect how much passes from packaging into food. So use each container as directed on its label and reheat food in glass or ceramic dishes. There is no need to throw away all your containers at once or avoid every packaged food.

Wash fruit and vegetables under running water before preparing them, including when you plan to peel them [9]; step-by-step instructions are in the fruit and vegetable washing guide.

Does eating organic reduce exposure?

Choosing organic foods may reduce some markers of pesticide exposure. This is a main conclusion of a review of studies in people [10]. It does not amount to proof that organic food prevents a specific disease or eliminates all exposure [10].

The latest available annual report analysed samples from 2024. In the coordinated European sampling, 97.6% were within legal limits [11]. The same legal limits apply to organic and conventional products. Both may contain residues within those limits [11].

In the report’s comparison, measurable residues were less frequent in organic food for almost all food groups. Animal products were the exception [11]. If buying organic fits your budget, it is one option. If it does not, keep eating a variety of fruit and vegetables. An organic label does not replace washing or food-safety measures.

What questions or misconceptions do we see in consultations?

We see three common concerns. First, treating any detection as if it meant a harmful dose. Second, avoiding canned foods, fish or vegetables out of fear, even when they add variety. Third, spending money on commercial tests without knowing what clinical decision they could support.

Diets that promise to remove toxins and “free from” products do not replace an assessment of a specific exposure. An over-the-counter test also does not, by itself, diagnose a hormonal problem.