givengain.org

Cling wrap has been a controversial subject for quite some time, and rumours have circulated that the plasticisers in cling wrap can migrate into food and pose serious health risks, such as causing cancer. So who is making an effort to get the facts, and which brand is addressing the actual risk?

It is the main mission of CANSA to reduce the incidence of cancer. While many cancers have well known causes such as hepatitis B causing liver cancer and UV light causing skin cancer, there are some cancers where the causes remain unknown.

This means that they need to be vigilant against environmental factors that may be involved. One such factor is plasticisers used to make plastic soft and pliable. It is known that these chemicals such as DEHP and DEHA cause cancer in mice and rats. CANSA is aware that DEHA is legal and approved by various regulatory bodies; nonetheless research results suggest strongly that the effect of this plasticiser is probably less than beneficial to users.

Consequently CANSA cannot support products that contain these chemicals. Research has shown that when these chemicals come into contact with fatty foods such as cheese and meat, the plasticisers readily migrate from the plastic into the food and are absorbed by the human body. It is then metabolised into an even more active molecule, which results in significant biological activity. The long term health consequences and possible damage to the human body remains to be ascertained, which means the health risk exists, without full knowledge of the future outcome of its activity.

“CANSA has decided to recognise GLAD® Wrap as a smart living choice.”

On the other hand, CANSA supports cling films that do not contain plasticisers or very low levels compared to other products. The most prominent cling wrap without plasticisers on the South African market is GLAD® Wrap. GLAD ® Wrap has been found to be biochemically inert and does not contain DEHA, making it the healthiest choice in plastic cling film.

This means that the CANSA “Promoting Smart Choices” logo will appear on GLAD® Wrap packaging. This is just another way in which GLAD® is keeping you and your family in mind, and making life a little easier…and healthier.