Oh boy. Beware the toxic adhesive in food packaging labels

[charlie]

...The chemical, which is in the highest toxicity category because it poses a "particularly severe risk to health", is found in high levels on some of the sticky labels placed on packages of fresh meat, vegetables, tubs of sauce and other foodstuffs.

Strict EU safety regulations govern which materials can come into direct contact with food, but there are no rules about the chemicals in adhesives used to fix labels to the packaging.

A study published today by the Royal Society of Chemistry shows that four toxic compounds in commonly-used glues on sticky labels can seep all the way through paper and plastic packaging and contaminate the food inside.

One such adhesive is in the "highly toxic" class along with other poisonous chemicals such as mercury, asbestos and hydrochloric acid. Highly toxic chemicals can cause organ failure and even death in high doses...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/7756221/Toxic-chemicals-from-supermarket-labels-seep-through-packaging-and-contaminate-food.html

...Nerín and her team examined migration through four substrates – polyethylene, polypropylene, couche paper and kraft paper.

Four different adhesives were studied and the researchers analysed 11 compounds of which four migrated into the food stimulant Tenax. Two were found to be present at higher than recommended levels.

"One of these has high concentrations in some adhesives, and this, together with its high toxicity, makes it a particular target for future studies," said Nerín.

The UK's Food Standards Agency has sought to play down the report and said its own research found that the potential for migration of chemicals in adhesives was very low. "This study highlights a potential area for further research, but it is important to remember it is a theoretical study," a spokesperson said...

http://packagingnews.co.uk/channel/labelling/news/1005152/Food-risk-claim-label-adhesive-research-highlights-toxic-migration

[givemebackmycountry]

1. Great. Wonderful. Outstanding.

Now, not only do I have to worry about what's INSIDE the fucking packaging, now I have to worry about what's OUTSIDE the fucking packaging too.

Free Market!

They really are trying to kill us.
One and all.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. Hmmm Will this info EVER be published in the US media??????????

[gateley]

3. Are these people nuts? It's cheaper to use toxic adhesives than non-toxic? It's

not as though they or their families are immune, or have they convinced themselves it's okay?

Jesus, I'm afraid to touch anything anymore!

[bluesmail]

4. It's as if some big corporation's are are in a race to see who can kill off the

most humans...and NOT get caught.

[formercia]

5. If you think that's bad

just wait until all of the toxins from the Deep Horizon spill get into the food chain. It's only a matter of time.

[Cetacea]

6. So true.

K&R