Hormone-free food systems

America’s food system is rife with synthetic hormones, at the same time that hormone-related chronic disease is on the rise. Hormones are routinely given to beef and dairy cattle to increase production. Dozens of synthetic pesticides, such as the corn herbicide, atrazine, have been flagged as probable disruptors of normal hormone function. Other synthetic hormones, like Bispenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are ubiquitious in plastic can liners and other food packaging. Policies that guarantee scrutiny of these practices for safety are long overdue.