The Dirty List

The Ingredients the Food Industry Doesn’t Explain.

These are the processed and ultra-processed ingredients that show up in everyday products. What they are, where they hide, what the research says, and what you can use instead. No fear. Just facts.

Harmful Ingredients

Bisphenol A (BPA) (can lining chemical)

Description:

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical commonly used in epoxy resins that line many food cans. That lining helps prevent corrosion and keeps canned foods shelf-stable, but BPA can migrate from the lining into food, especially in acidic or high-heat processing.

Found In:

Commonly shows up in canned foods, including:

  • Canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, baked beans)

  • Canned tomatoes + tomato sauces

  • Canned soups, broths, chili

  • Canned fish (tuna, salmon)

  • Some canned coconut milk

Health Impact:

BPA is widely discussed as a potential endocrine (hormone) disruptor, meaning it may interfere with hormone signaling. For a long-term health lens, the main concern is chronic, repeated exposure from frequently eating canned foods that use epoxy linings.

Healthier Alternatives:

Look for these “cleaner” packaging moves:

  • “BPA-free can lining” (still check what they replaced it with)

  • Glass jars (beans, sauces, soups)

  • Cartons (some beans/broths come in Tetra Pak-style cartons)

  • Dry beans (bulk or bagged) + cook at home (cheapest + cleanest)

Scientific Evidence:

  • The EU adopted rules restricting BPA in food-contact materials (a major signal that regulators consider exposure worth reducing).

  • Some countries have already taken BPA-restriction steps in food-contact uses (ex: France) and broader EU action followed.

Screenshot of Diet Discipline website

Swap Smart ✅

Canned beans (standard can) → ✅ Beans in glass jars / cartons
✅ Bonus upgrade: dry beans (bagged) + batch cook + freeze portions   Same food, less packaging chemistry