According to a study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiologymore than three thousand chemicals present in the packaging in contact with food has been found in the human body. A figure twice as important as what previous estimates suggested.
These substances include pesticides, heavy metals and persistent pollutants. Some of these substances are particularly dangerous for health, being carcinogenic, mutagens or toxic to reproduction.
The fraud repression services had already reported at the start of the year the results of a survey on the food containers used throughout the production chain, from the manufacturer or the importer to the distributor, such as food shops and the food industry: plastic trays, pizza boxes and other materials that come into contact with foodstuffs. At the end of this survey, an average of 20% of the products used were not in conformity and likely to present a danger to health due to the migration of substances from the material to the food.
Major sources of chemical contamination
The amount of chemicals that can infiltrate the body depends on the type of packaging but also the type of food. Plastic, paper and recycled cardboard packaging thus constitute major sources of chemical contamination. Some factors may increase the risk of contamination, such as a high temperature for example. Experts therefore advise in particular to avoid spending food in the microwave. Foods rich in fat is more at risk than others.
AFOC reminds consumers to remain vigilant about the use of these containers and to limit their use. It also asks professionals to better test the food packaging used in trade and public decision -makers to set up new regulations in order to minimize exposure to these chemicals.
