Consumer Advocates: “Big Pumpkin” Hid Tar, Chemicals in Pumpkin Spice for Years
Washington D.C.- Consumer watchdog groups have come out in recent weeks with allegations against the Big Pumpkin industry, citing an FDA study advocates claim proves a track record of industry leaders systematically covering up the presence of tar and other toxins in the popular fall food additive known as “Pumpkin Spice.”
The study found significant amounts of tar, arsenic, DDT, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and nearly 200 other toxic chemicals in samples of products ranging from pumpkin spice coffee to pumpkin spice-scented hair gels. The report claimed that frequent users of the autumnal substance were at greater risk of tongue cancer, mouth cancer, stomach cancer and sterilization than the average American.
The findings have startled consumer advocates, who worry that this knowledge has been kept hidden from the public for years by what they characterize as the “notoriously corrupt” Pumpkin industry. Frank Hobart, head of the Consumer Advocacy Group, hopes to garner national attention to the study.
“Let’s face it, pumpkin spice is an incredibly addictive substance, and until now we have not looked into what we are doing to our bodies when we give it this Fall-themed favorite.” Hobart has also voiced concern over the ever expanding use of pumpkin spice. “At first, it was just in our coffee, and only around for October, November, maybe a few days into December. Now its showing up in our beer, our chap stick, even in baby food, and its showing up earlier and staying longer. Before it was contained, but we’re heading down a path of year-round poisoning-by-gourd. It has to stop.”
Pumpkin industry leaders remain adamant in their stance that their product has no proven harmful effects. “Pumpkins are grown out of the ground, there are no possible health risks of consuming something natural like that,” Joel Horton, a lobbyist for the Association of Pumpkin and Squash Producers asserted in a press conference on Monday. So far, the report has had little effect on the sale of pumpkin spice. Pumpkin patches across the country have experienced record profits this quarter, as demand increases for the sweet, yet earthy flavoring.
Still, many hope for prompt action by the U.S. Surgeon General to implement regulations on distribution of the product, but may be left waiting, as the Trump administration’s appointee to the position has a long career within the corporate side of Big Pumpkin.
