Chemicals from recycled boxes may seep into packaged foods potentially causing serious health risks, according to a new study
Preventing cancer may require more than watching what you eat - you may need to start thinking about what you're eating from, too. Toxicologists at the Food Safety Laboratory in Zurich have found mineral oils contained in recycled cardboard packaging for cereals, pasta and rice can pass through internal plastic bags to contaminate the food they house. These same oils have been linked to inflammation of internal organs and even cancer. Scientists say the inclusion of used newspaper in recycled packaging may be the culprit behind the harmful chemicals, due to its ink content.
ZEST says: Although this data is concerning, there's no need to ditch your morning cereal. Researchers have stressed you're not at risk in the short term, and enjoying a bowl of healthy cereal for breakfast has proven health benefits. However, scientists have asked the food industry to look into alternative packaging options to eliminate the risk of contamination, such as thicker inner lining bags. Some companies, such as cereal-maker Jordans, have stopped using it as packaging material, and companies including Kellogg's are also looking into alternative packaging. What we don't want is for companies to start use trees instead of recycled materials for cardboard packaging, and taking a step backwards in environmental terms.
