The addition of fluoride to public water supplies does not just affect drinking water, it affects all the food and beverage products made with that water (e.g., soda, juice, beer, cereal, soup, etc). As a result, even people living in non-fluoridated communities of heavily fluoridated countries like the U.S. will routinely be exposed to fluoridated water when they purchase processed drinks and foods. The mass fluoridation of water supplies thus results in the mass fluoridation of processed drinks and foods and drinks. This is known as the halo effect.
Another significant contributor to elevated fluoride levels in processed foods is the use of mechanical deboning processes in the meat industry, particularly with chicken products.
For more information about the fluoride levels in various processed beverages and foods, along with some practical tips for minimizing fluoride intake from these sources, please see:
- Fluoride Levels in Processed Drinks
- FAN’s Grocery Store Guide: 7 Ways to Avoid Fluoride in Beverages and Food
- Top 5 Ways to Reduce Fluoride Exposure from Infant Formula
