Packaging food with this type of material causes cancer nafdac warns
You're referring to the recent warning issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria about the potential health risks associated with packaging food in certain materials.
According to NAFDAC, the agency has identified certain types of packaging materials that may contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which can leach into food and potentially cause cancer.
Some of the specific packaging materials that NAFDAC has warned against include:
- Phthalate-containing plastics: Phthalates are a type of plasticizer used to make plastics more flexible. However, they have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive issues.
- BPA-containing plastics: BPA is a chemical used to make certain plastics, such as water bottles and food containers. It has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and reproductive problems.
- PFOA-containing non-stick coatings: PFOA is a chemical used to make non-stick coatings for cookware and food packaging. It has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and other health problems.
NAFDAC has advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing food products packaged in these materials and to opt for alternatives that use safer packaging materials. The agency has also called on food manufacturers to switch to safer packaging materials to protect public health.
It's worth noting that while NAFDAC's warning is specific to Nigeria, similar concerns about the health risks associated with certain packaging materials have been raised in other countries as well.