• According to the WHO, 15-25% of agricultural land worldwide is contaminated with heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which can enter food chains through crops.

  • A study from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) found that only 37% of consumers always read ingredient labels, leaving many unaware of potential hazards in their food.

  • Over 33% of the world’s soil has been degraded due to intensive farming, reducing nutrient content in crops and affecting human health (FAO, 2020).

  • The use of biosolids (sewage sludge) as fertilizer introduces PFAS ("forever chemicals") into agricultural soil, where they accumulate in crops and eventually enter the food supply (EPA, 2023).

  • Over 60% of consumers report confusion over food labels like “natural” and “organic,” potentially impacting their ability to make informed choices (IFIC, 2022).

  • The list of unknowns is endless.

Pollution, Climate Change, Farming, Food Supply Sarah Simplot Pollution, Climate Change, Farming, Food Supply Sarah Simplot

Growing Concerns Over Pollutants, Climate Change, and the Food System

This article examines the interconnectedness of climate change and pollution on food safety, focusing on the effects of pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides on crops, livestock, and human health. From gut microbiome disruptions to developmental issues in children, chemical contaminants pose significant risks.

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