Beware the Hidden Costs of Cheap Food

The push for cheaper food has led to the widespread use of neurotoxins and endocrine disrupting chemicals in the US food industry, resulting in significant public health consequences. Americans spend significantly less on food than Europeans but three times more on healthcare, highlighting a systemic issue. These harmful chemicals, including xenoestrogens from plastics and pesticides like atrazine, are affecting hormonal health, particularly in children, who are experiencing earlier onset of puberty. The rise in estrogen levels linked to these substances raises concerns about the long-term impacts on youth development. The discrepancies in regulations, where these chemicals are banned in Europe but not in the US, further illustrate the dangers of prioritizing cost over health. Additionally, the manipulation of scientific research by corporations, exemplified by the Monsanto papers, complicates the narrative around food safety and environmental health.