German television channel finds diethylhexyl phthalate in food

The Northern German Broadcast (NDR) carried out a sampling of 19 foods stuffs of which 7 contained the plasticizer diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) for its show Küchencheck (Kitchen Check). Contaminated food stuffs were packed cheese, butter, cream and pesto products.  Concentrations were highest in cheese with 910 µg/kg. The contamination levels were below the regulated maximum contaminant levels, but the German Environmental Association BUND nevertheless expressed concerns as phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors. Studies have shown phthalates to cause developmental damage and chronic disease such as asthma and diabetes.