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Mineral Oil Concerns Alert Paper Industry

10 March 2011

The paper industry has raised concerns over cardboard packaging being impacted with the latest reports circulating in the industry about the presence of "toxic" mineral oils in the printing inks of recycled newspapers contaminating food sold in these containers and posing health risk.

The German research funded by the Swiss government was led by Dr Konrad Grop, who studied the mineral oil content in recycled paper board used for food packaging. He concluded that the quantity of this toxic substance often did not comply with the regulations and limits set by the World Health Organisation.

The research also shed light on the fact that the constant exposure to these oils may directly result in the inflammation of internal organs and cancer.

Furthermore, the study identified that the main source of these toxic oils are the newspapers, which are used to stiffen recycled paperboard and formed 15-20% of the content of the recycled material.

The research has alerted the paper industry to the possible consequences of a study of this nature and its impact on the recycling industry. David Workman, director general of the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), UK, expressed that he has never encountered concerns regarding mineral oils before and that it is important for people to continue recycling. He said: "We are taking this very, very seriously and are working with Food Standards Agency in the UK, and expecting the European Food Safety Authority to issue a report in September. We will be working with the manufacturers across Europe through CEPI to advise them of the impact of using mineral oil based inks."

He further added: "We want people to continue to recycle paper products in the same way as they have been doing as it is a real success, with a Europe-wide paper recycling average now at 72%. What we don't want to do is give out the impression that they shouldn't continue to recycle paper."

Speaking of the role the media plays in a situation like this he said: "There is always a danger that something like this in the media, especially if the effects are over-emphasised, could have an effect on confidence and there is concern that this might happen. We really want to encourage people to continue recycling as they have been doing and we are working to eliminate these inks."

However, the Food Standards Agency on its part remained unperturbed and saw no substantial cause to worry. An FSA spokesperson said: "The FSA is not aware of any firm evidence to suggest that there are food safety risks related to mineral oils in recycled food packaging.

"The German research is interesting, but due to incomplete data the results have not demonstrated that mineral oils in food packaging represent a food safety risk."

The agency has set out on its own investigation and is gathering information on the presence of mineral oils in food packaging.

Responding to news coverage surrounding the publication of German research, Chartered Institution of Wastes Management was called for a clear plan of action to ensure that confidence in recycled paper board is not damaged in the long term. Speaking of its position, the organization in a statement said: "These research findings are clearly of concern and must be taken seriously. However, it is equally important that any assessment of the potential risks is made on the back of robust data and we note the Food Standard Agency's opinion that there is not yet any firm evidence of risk associated with recycled packaging.

"It is important that public confidence in paper recycling is maintained and CIWM would urge all stakeholders within the supply chain to work together to resolve this issue by reducing the risk of this type of contamination in the supply chain and, ultimately, by taking steps to phase out the use of mineral oil-based inks."

Director of Food Safety and Science (FDF), Barbara Gallani, commented: "We are aware of recent studies looking at the potential presence of mineral hydrocarbons in food from recycled cardboard used in food packaging. We understand that the information currently available is limited and we are working with the Food Standards Agency, food manufacturers, retailers and the packaging supply chain to gather more information.

"The Food Standards Agency has indicated that there is no need for immediate action. It is carrying out a survey of food packaging materials including recycled cardboard and will report back in the summer. In the meantime FDF has revised guidance for food manufacturers on recycled carton board in food packaging."

Cereal manufacturer Kelloggs is adopting a more cautious approach by working with suppliers on new ways of packaging that contain lower levels of mineral oils but which will also meet their environmental commitments.

According to a spokesperson, the company is awaiting "direction" from the UK government and will comply with any future guidance that the government issues.

Krishna Buddhiraju