Commentary On Food Packaging Materials Strings Together Series Of Scary, Unfounded Claims

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health piece ignores facts on chemical safety

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Feb 20, 2014, 06:42 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry Council released the following statement today in response to a misleading commentary published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health calling for new studies to review if food contact materials are a significant source of chemical food contamination:

"This piece does not present any new scientific data, but strings together a series of scary claims about the potential for small amounts of chemicals to migrate from food packaging. This paper is already being rejected by scientists across the globe, as the authors ignore the fact that food contact packaging is reviewed for safety by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That includes all plastic food contact packaging. This stringent safety review is done before the materials are allowed on the market. And FDA's review specifically considers migration before making its safety determination.

"The authors also make unfounded comments about formaldehyde, which is a ubiquitous, naturally occurring substance in many natural foods, including fruits like pears and apples. It is produced in healthy adults and children continuously as a result of consuming a balanced diet, with those natural exposures likely to dwarf any intermittent exposures from consumer products. Formaldehyde metabolizes quickly in the body; it breaks down rapidly, is not persistent and does not accumulate in the environment.

"We continue to support research and safety assessments of our chemicals used in commerce and work with regulators worldwide on promoting the safe use of chemicals in consumer products. Presenting unfounded, inflammatory commentary as 'science' is a disservice to the public. Consumers can have confidence that the plastic food packaging they rely on has been rigorously reviewed for safety, and they can look forward to innovations to make packaging even lighter and more efficient than ever before while dramatically extending the shelf life of healthful, nutritious foods."

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $770 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for twelve percent of all U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council