Plastics and food

Are chemicals from plastic food containers and wrapping as safe as the industry and regulators claim or are they slowly poisoning us?
 
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  • Updated:7 Jan 2010
  • Author:David Oakenfull
  • rateraterateraterate: Member rating
 

08.What CHOICE wants

There’s now enough sound scientific evidence to raise genuine concerns that BPA and some plasticisers can cause health problems, even at the very low levels to which we’re currently exposed. The level of risk is uncertain until more research is done, but why take unnecessary risks, especially with young children for whom exposure to these chemicals could mean increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer later in life? The food industry does not need to use these plastics, as there are safer alternatives.

CHOICE wants

  • Manufacturers to phase out PVC and polycarbonate in baby products and food packaging, and phase out BPA-based plastic lining for food and drink cans.
  • The federal government to implement the Productivity Commission’s recommendation to establish a more systematic research program on the risks from chemicals in consumer articles.

What you can do

Help our fight for safer food packaging. Send any plastic packaging you can’t identify or have concerns about to:

Plastic Packaging, CHOICE, 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville 2204

We’ll take it all to Nicola Roxon, Minister for Health and Ageing, with a request for action on harmful chemicals.

Follow our campaign at Bad chemistry campaign site.

 

 

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