For immediate release: 19 February 2014
Response to scientists’ concerns over safety of synthetic chemicals leaching
into food from packaging, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
London: In response to concerns raised by scientists in a commentary article “Food
packaging and migration of food contact materials: will epidemiologists rise to the
neotoxic challenge?” (1), published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Epidemiology and
Community Health today, Breast Cancer UK’s Chief Executive, Lynn Ladbrook, said:
“Breast Cancer UK fully shares the concerns raised that some of the chemicals used in
food packaging could be adversely affecting our health, especially at key stages of
development. The warning that our dietary exposure to certain chemicals is not even
being considered in toxicology analysis is utterly unacceptable. We cannot begin to
begin to understand why diseases, such as breast cancer, are on the rise until we
address this issue.” (2)
One of the chemicals cited as a cause for concern is Bisphenol A (BPA), which gives
rise to ‘non monotonic’ dose responses meaning that it has varying effects at different
doses, even very low ones. Currently, BPA is permitted for use in food and drinks
packaging despite a recent opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
that it is likely to adversely affect the liver, kidneys and mammary gland (3).
“Current chemicals regulations are failing to adequately protect our health. Breast
Cancer UK is calling for an immediate ban on the use of BPA in food and drinks
packaging, as it is well known that our main route of exposure to BPA is via diet. All
chemicals should be tested for human health effects, including their impact on
hormones and on early life exposures, before being permitted for use in products, such
as food and drinks packaging,” concluded Ladbrook.
Notes to editors:
(1) See http://jech.bmj.com
(2) See Breast Cancer UK’s Manifesto ‘Prevention is Better than Cure: 5 Pledges for 2015
and Beyond for the Prevention of Breast Cancer
http://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/BCUK_Manifesto.pdf
(3) See EFSA ‘Public consultation on the draft opinion on bisphenol A (BPA) – Assessment
of human health risks’ http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/consultations/call/140117.htm
Contact:
Matilda Bradshaw, Communications Manager, Breast Cancer UK, on 07775 828634
Lynn Ladbrook, Chief Executive, Breast Cancer UK, on 07786 393181
Email: [email protected]
www.breastcanceruk.org.uk, facebook.com/breastcanceruk, twitter.com/BreastCancer_UK