Client Stories is urging Normal Mills to scale back plastic chemical compounds in its pre-packaged meals.

In a letter despatched Wednesday to Normal Mills, the advocacy group mentioned it discovered “regarding” ranges of phthalates in a number of Normal Mills merchandise, together with Annie’s Natural Tacky Ravioli. Different Normal Mills merchandise that examined optimistic for top ranges of chemical compounds embody Yoplait Authentic Low Fats Yogurt, Cheerios Authentic and Inexperienced Large Cream Type Candy Corn, in accordance with Client Stories.

“While you purchase natural, the very last thing you’d anticipate is that you’d be consuming plastic chemical compounds,” Client Stories Meals Coverage Director Brian Ronholm mentioned in an announcement. 

Normal Mills didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Phthalates, often known as plasticizers, are chemical compounds that can be utilized to make plastics extra sturdy and versatile, in accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. Some research have linked the chemical compounds to opposed well being outcomes reminiscent of coronary heart illness, diabetes and weight problems. 

Client Stories additionally launched a petition on Wednesday calling on Normal Mills and its subsidiary, Annie’s, to eradicate plasticizers from their merchandise. 

The group in January revealed a report itemizing the plastic chemical contents of greater than 80 well-liked snacks and different pre-prepared meals. The examine discovered that 99% of grocery store and quick meals include phthalates, whereas 79% include traces of one other probably dangerous substance known as bisphenol A.

“In a latest take a look at of all kinds of meals, Client Stories discovered plasticizers in each meals product at very excessive ranges, together with a number of Normal Mills merchandise,” the group mentioned in its February 7 letter to Normal Mills CEO Jeffrey Harmening. 

“Due to the variety of ways in which plasticizers can enter our meals provide, we acknowledge that these chemical compounds can’t be utterly prevented,” Client Stories add. “Nonetheless, our take a look at outcomes revealed that some merchandise had a lot decrease ranges in comparison with others. This demonstrates that, although these chemical compounds are ubiquitous in meals, it’s attainable to scale back their presence, and customers anticipate the business to realize these decrease ranges.”