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Recycled cardboard packaging is a health hazard
Researchers in Germany and Switzerland found that newspapers from toxic substances have contaminated food packaged with recycled cardboard. Chemicals from the ink used by printers
Leading international companies in the food sector have announced changes in its packaging because of fears that boxes made of recycled cardboard affect health, according to reports obtained by the BBC.
Researchers in Germany and Switzerland found that newspapers from toxic substances have contaminated food packaged with recycled cardboard.
The chemicals, known as mineral oils, from the ink used by printers.
The British company that manufactures cereals Jordans said he stopped using recycled paperboard , and other companies have taken steps to ensure that their packaging contain no toxic material.
For its part, the U.S. multinational Kellogg's and Weetabix British reported that they have taken steps to reduce the amount of mineral oil in their packaging.
Researchers have linked exposure to these oils with internal organ inflammation and cancer.
Scientists in Sweden have found that foods such as pasta, rice and cereals sold in packs of recycled material containing between ten and 100 times more mineral oil than the limit tolerated.
Worrying picture
In one of his reports, the Swiss experts described as "frightening" possibility that these substances contaminate food.
However, food safety agencies in the country concluded that consumers who have a balanced diet have no reason to worry.
In a statement, the British Jordans said that, despite his credentials as a company "green" that has long used a large amount of packaging recycled, decided to abandon this practice because they considered it the most sensible.
The BBC has learned that other companies are aware of these dangers, but none have followed in the footsteps of Jordans.
In Europe, more than half of the cardboard used is made of recycled material.
The normal board, made based on virgin pulp, is more expensive and is not abundant enough to completely replace recycling.
The Swiss investigation was led by Koni Grob, food safety laboratory in the canton of Zurich.
Grob and his team carried out similar work in Germany. In a study commissioned by the Ministry of Food in the country, tested in a sample of 119 products from German supermarkets.
The investigation concluded that mineral oils can easily pass through many plastic bags are placed to keep food dry and fresh.
And the longer a product lasts on supermarket shelves, but mineral oil absorbed.
Grob told the BBC that about 30 of the 119 products tested did not contain mineral oil.
"All the other exceeded the limit, and most of them had ten times the tolerable level. We estimate that in the long term, and on average, could exceed 50 times the limit and even many of them several hundred times, " said the scientist.
Under European legislation, the limit of saturated mineral oil in the packaging should be 0.6 milligrams per kilogram.
Double acting
Previous research in mice had shown the dangers of these substances to health.
Professor Grob said that the impact is twofold: one is chronic inflammation of some internal organs and the other is the risk of cancer.
But he said consumers would be exposed to these foods contaminated for many years to be at risk.
The Federation of Food and Drinks in the UK , representing companies in the sector, said the Swiss study is a good starting point for further research, but not enough to justify discontinuing the use of recycled cardboard. "
Reaction of firms
However, some British companies have taken steps to combat the problem.
The British subsidiary of Kellogg's said it is looking for new packaging that would meet their environmental goals but containing significantly lower amounts of mineral oil.
The company also said it is investigating the use of alternative plastic bags to protect the products inside the boxes.
Professor Grob's study indicates that only bags made of aluminum or some type of plastic constitute an effective barrier to prevent food contamination with mineral oils.
Weetabix said he uses 100% recycled packaging it is better for the environment, but is considering the use of packages that contain no recycled newspapers.
"Our data indicate that none of our products pose a risk to consumers," the firm said in a statement.
For its part, the German government warned food companies must take urgent steps to reduce risk and noted that studies potential regulations in this regard.
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (Food Standards Agency) conducts its own investigation to determine what proportion of mineral oils are recycled packaging, not how much into food.
A senior official of the agency, Terry Donohoe, said: "If the study shows that there are risks, we will take immediate action to protect the public."
Grob said that the normal use of cardboard not completely eliminate the risk.
This is because, he explained, and packaged foods are stored and transported in large corrugated boxes made from recycled newspaper, which is also a source of contamination.