One type of food packaging has been found as a link to a chronic disease. This comes after a study was done in Adelaide, South Australia. So, what packaging is in question? If you are curious, read on!
A common chemical, phthalates, that is found in food packaging, toys and medical devices is a link between several chronic diseases. The study was conducted with 1500 South Australian men. It detected phthalates in the urine samples of 99.6 per cent of men in the study aged 35 years and over.
They also found that there is a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure increased among those men with higher total phthalate levels. Moreover, the study has already considered several factors, like obesity and alcoholic intake. Despite this, they still find that the association between high levels of phthalates and disease unchanged.
Although the study was conducted with men as the target, researchers believe that women would also be equally affected.
What is Phthalates?
Phthalates – a plastic softener – have been detected by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). They were found in some foods, triggering more research by the food safety regulator.
Do you need to be careful about what goes into your food packaging? As a consumer or a food business owner!
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