SOUNDING BOARD is an outlet for opinions on good and crazy things going on at home (wherever I may be). All are welcome. You are not expected to bring anything except your common sense & sense of humor.
'If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get one million miles to the gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.'
-Robert X. Cringely (from geek wisdom)
SOUNDING BOARD
Thursday, October 16, 2003
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Chemicals in baby food jars
BBC News on Wednesday reports that a chemical, semicarbazide (SEM), has been found in very small quantities in some jars of food. Baby food manufacturers are now being urged to change the way they package their products amid fears over cancer (BBC News 15 October 2003).
The European Food Safety Authority says it has found traces of a potentially dangerous chemical in some jars. Officials said there was no need for parents to stop giving their children food from jars because the cancer risk is extremely low. However, they recommended that manufacturers consider introducing safer packaging.
Authorities said that the chemical was not found in any type of food used or containers. The chemical was released by a particular type of packaging, including glass jars with metal lids, containing sealant gaskets.
While it is good that this was discovered early during routine checks, one could only hope that the existence of the chemical should have been found earlier during the testing stage, before these products are sold in the market. But it could also be possible that the chemical is emitted after a certain period of interaction time between the mode of packaging and the materials used. Maybe it is time to expand the coverage of food labeling standards to cover not only ingredients but also packaging techniques. With respect to the current risks, I understand that the evidence points to very small traces of chemicals. I do not think, however, that I would take the risk, even a very small risk, when it comes to my child's food and nutrition. Would you?
posted by Allan at 8:57 AM (GMT+8)
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