Is your food packaging safe?
It is better to be wary of the use of packaging for food such as plastic, styrofoam, various types of paper. The most common paper we encounter is brown rice paper and duplex cardboard as rice box packaging.
As quoted from sp.beritasatu.com, observers of the paper industry explain the dangers of using non-food packaging paper.
“Used paper including newspapers and magazines should not be used to wrap food directly because it contains lead which, if accumulated in the body, can pose a risk to health.
MUHAMMAD ADJIDARMO
He said that duplex cartons and brown rice wrapped paper were made from recycled materials which might have been contaminated and contained printing inks, adhesives, waxes, dyeing materials, and other chemicals. One of the causes of the widespread use of non-packaging paper is due to lack of knowledge and public awareness of the side effects caused.
Microorganisms and fungi can grow on used paper. Another important fact is the discovery of relatively high heavy metal content in paper containing recycled fibers. Dangerous substances that have a negative impact on the human body so that it can cause disease. Among cancer, damage to the liver and lymph nodes, disrupt the endocrine system, premature birth, increase the risk of asthma, gene mutations, and others.
Safe packaging
“Food-grade food packaging is safe and suitable for use because it is made of 100% natural fiber so it is clean white, has no spots, and is free of harmful bacteria and compounds such as benzene and styrene (styrofoam raw materials). In terms of the environment it is also eco-friendly because it is made from natural fibers that are easily biodegradable, said ADJIDARMO
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Therefore, we must be more vigilant when buying food products that still use recycled paper. And switch to using food grade packaging that can guarantee the quality of food so it is not damaged and maintain a healthy body to avoid the danger of pollution from the production of used paper-based food packaging.