Use of the fungicide, vinclozilin, has been considerable restricted in the UK because of its anti-androgenic activity in some mammalian assays. In general, exposure to phytoestrogens is much greater than to endocrine disrupters from environmental and other sources. Further research is needed to confirm the effects, if any, in man of such chemicals at concentrations found in food and the environment. The Food Standards Agency has a large programme of research and surveillance devoted to chemicals, including endocrine disrupters, in food, which seeks to ensure that consumers are adequately protected. Projects funded by the Food Standards Agency focus on exposure from food, test methods and possible effects in man and include surveillance of bisphenol A, dioxins, and other possible endocrine disrupters which might be found in our food.
Limits exist for a number of chemicals believed to have endocrine disrupting potential.
These include limits on the content of certain chemicals in materials that may come into contact with food and might migrate into the food. As part of its research programme, the Food Standards Agency is looking specifically at phytoestrogens. These are naturally occurring compounds with weak oestrogen-like activity that are found in some foods such as soya. Some groups believe that eating these foods may be beneficial. Other groups believe they may be harmful.