Dr. Ramesh Sachdeva has more than three decades of experience as a medical professional and researcher. In his present role as the executive director for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Dr. Ramesh Sachdeva holds responsibility for launching the organization’s Department for Subspecialty Pediatrics and oversees many of its research efforts. 

In the wake of recent research that suggests some food additives could have a negative impact on childhood health, AAP is calling for comprehensive reform in regulations governing these additives. The organization issued a policy statement in the August 2018 issue of its peer-reviewed medical journal, Pediatrics. Specifically, these additives can disrupt growth and hormone development and can potentially contribute to obesity in children, which has increased by 300 percent over the past 40 years. 

Chemicals known as bisphenols (BPA being the most common), used to make plastic containers more sturdy, mimic the effect of estrogen and can impact the onset of puberty; while phthalates, used to create plastic or vinyl tubes, can impact how male genitalia is formed and cause cardiovascular disease. Perfluoroalkyl chemicals, also known as PFCs, found in cardboard food packages, can affect the ability of the immune system and lead to low birth weight. Additionally, all these additives can contribute to obesity in children. 

To learn about these food additives and to view AAP’s recommendations for alternatives, visit www.aap.org.