Tyson’s Actions Impact All of Us. Here’s What to Know

Giant food corporations that put profits over human health have a staggering negative effect on our well-being, as proven by the link between consuming ultra-processed foods and disease. Earlier this month, news broke that proved how deep these impacts run: Tyson Foods, the largest producer of poultry and meat in the United States, has been releasing massive amounts of water pollutants from its plants into local rivers and ponds.

On April 30, the Union of Concerned Scientists released a report detailing how Tyson-owned slaughterhouses and processing plants dumped 371.72 million pounds of pollutants into waterways throughout the country from 2018 to 2022. The states hit the hardest were Missouri, Nebraska, and Illinois. (A reported 11 million pounds of pollutants were dumped in Nebraskan waterways alone.) The chicken behemoth knowingly led pipelines filled with waste that included 138.07 million pounds of chlorides, 82.51 million pounds of dissolved solids, and 40.26 million pounds of sulfates, which had high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, into waterways.

Before we continue, let's consider this for a second: This means ponds, rivers, streams, and lakes where people swim and cities draw water have been doused with gross, toxic waste.  

To create their report, the scientists at the Union of Concerned Scientists used publicly available data from the Environmental Protection Agency to estimate the quantity and distribution. The results are horrifying, and the researchers believe the problem doesn't stop at their report.

"Because discharges directly from meat processing plants are only a fraction of the meat processing industry's overall water pollution, our analysis is likely a drastic underestimation of Tyson's true environmental impact," write the researchers in the analysis.

Tyson's actions put us all in harm's way. The chemicals released in its wastewater are known to feed algal blooms that exacerbate human respiratory conditions, harm fish, and create more noxious chemicals. Some communities are at greater risk than others. "This pollution creates additional burdens on traditionally marginalized communities living in close proximity to these facilities," write the scientists. "In 2021, the EPA conducted an environmental justice screening of the meat and poultry product industry and found that almost 75 percent of these water-polluting facilities are located within one mile of communities that are disproportionately impacted by economic, health, and/or environmental burdens."

In the US, chicken is huge, and Tyson is colossal. Americans eat more chicken than anywhere else, with Tyson selling more than $13 billion worth of chickens each year. Their facilities have been reported to be cramped for the animals and the human workers, creating a superspreader situation for bacteria and disease. (In 2020, Tyson made headlines for its plants being rife with workers who tested positive for COVID.)

So, what does this all mean? It's a testament to why it's critical to divest from giant food corporations like Tyson, which do not care about human, animal, or environmental health. And even if you don’t eat chicken or meat, it’s critical to be vocal. Let’s all open our wallets (and mouths) for the smaller farmers who are concerned—and let's keep asking questions. The health of ourselves and our families depends on it. 

PrimaFoodie Ingredient Spotlight: Propylene Glycol

Additives in food are as ubiquitous as they are nebulous. In our PrimaFoodie Ingredients Spotlight, we investigate common food additives to discover their origin, use, and purpose. Because just because something is edible doesn’t mean it’s healthy—or necessary.

What Is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol is a clear, odorless synthetic liquid used as an additive in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. It’s made by treating propylene oxide, a byproduct of refined petroleum, with chlorinated water. Some manufacturers create a slightly different form of propylene glycol by extracting it from glycerol, which comes from biodiesel production, for use in antifreeze and plastics.

What Is Propylene Glycol Used For?

Touted by manufacturers for its water-absorbing capabilities, propylene generally aids in emulsifying and preserving foods and enhancing the conditioning aspects of shampoos, lotions, face creams, and other topical products. But a closer look reveals the myriad of different ways it lands in food and products. These include:

  • As a solvent for helping food ingredients mix 

  • As a food and personal care product preservative (propylene glycol has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent molds and bacteria)

  • As a thickener for sauces and personal care products

  • As a moisture-preserver in foods and a humectant and emollient in cosmetics and lotions

  • As a flavor enhancer

Propylene glycol is also the main component of the artificial “smoke” from e-cigarettes and vape pens. 

Where Is It Found?

Given the long list of uses for propylene glycol in foods and products, this additive is everywhere. It’s safe to say that most conventional processed foods contain it in some form. 

Some of the most common propylene glycol-containing products include:

FOOD:

  • Dried and canned soups

  • Gravies

  • Packaged meals

  • Dried and canned vegetables

  • Fast foods

  • Packaged cheeses

  • Alcohol

  • Packaged snack foods

  • Bottle teas and juices

  • Sodas

  • Ice creams

  • Salad dressings

  • Condiments

PERSONAL CARE:

  • Face creams, lotions, and serums

  • Body lotions

  • Shampoos and conditioners

  • Face washes and toners

  • Deodorants

Is Propylene Glycol Bad?

The FDA approves the use of propylene glycol in food, cosmetics, and other products, deeming it safe within certain limits for certain items (outlined here). Google propylene glycol and mixed information regarding its allowance in Europe will show when, in fact, the EU does allow its use but in stricter variances. 

Studies have shown potential health risks associated with propylene glycol when consumed in high concentrations. Some research shows the additive can impact the nervous system, dermis, eyes, and kidneys and can potentially cause headaches and dizziness.

The PrimaFoodie Take on Propylene Glycol

Sure, this additive may be FDA approved and deemed safe—but to what end? Sadly, we know the FDA does not have our best health in mind, so we must second guess any additive the federal organization approves. And even if something is deemed safe, when we consistently consume something artificial, this can lead to its accumulation in our bodies, which can have grave effects. 

Our take? We avoid propylene glycol. The fact that it’s widely used in plastic, anti-freeze, and food makes us shiver. It’s artificial, derived partially from petroleum, and a total chemical additive mainly created to make food last longer on the shelves and seem more palatable. 

What are your thoughts or questions about propylene glycol? We’d love to know, so send a note to empowered@primafoodie.com