Is Plastic Wrap Dangerous?

Is cling wrap and other plastic packaging dangerous? Leading consumer advocacy group Choice seem to think so.

Choice are today calling on the food industry to phase out the use of plastics containing potentially hazardous chemicals in baby products and food packaging. Consumers are being advised to avoid PVC cling wrap, used for wrapping fresh meat and produce, and to consider cutting down on canned foods.

Although CHOICE says the risk is low, they say there’s growing evidence that food can be contaminated by the use of certain types of plastics and cans and says consumers should be aware there are alternatives available.

Materials of particular concern include polycarbonate, used to make food storage containers and bottles, some of which are for infants; and epoxy resins used to line cans. CHOICE spokesman Christopher Zinn says both of these polymers have been linked with serious health issues. 

"A wide variety of foods are packaged using PVC or polycarbonate, including some tinned food and fresh food such as meat in plastic wrapping,” he says. “PVC is used to make the gaskets that seal glass jars used for foods such as pasta sauces. There are safer alternatives, which should be used instead. 

While there is vigorous debate about the various risks CHOICE believes the evidence, while far from conclusive, can no longer be ignored.”
For more information visit www.choice.com.au