The UK’s Food Standards Agency has told just-food that despite a considerable amount of media hype it has not found conclusive evidence to support the theory that latex in packaging can be transferred to food.
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In a study first published 18-months ago and recently re-published in Chemistry and Industry magazine, the FSA considered the possibility that latex from packaging could make its way into the food it wrapped.
The study tested latex levels in 21 types of food packaging and found that 30% contained latex, which is believed to be an allergen affecting up to 6% of people. The authors of the research noted that low levels of latex consumption could trigger a reaction in those who suffer from the allergy.
The FSA found that more research was needed before any conclusions could be drawn. “It wasn’t clear from the research that allergens were being transferred from latex packaging to food. More work is required to accurately measure the levels of latex in food,” an FSA spokesperson told just-food.
The FSA has begun investigating the link further, and the findings of this study are due to be published next year.
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By GlobalData“There are concerns and we are looking into it further,” the FSA said. “However, we are not advising people to change their eating habits or how they prepare food.”
