CANSA is concerned about plasticisers which migrate out of clingfilm especially when in contact with fatty food such as cheese, chicken and mince meat. These man-made, organic chemicals are absorbed into the cells of the human body and affect genes that could lead to cancer.
Plasticisers are chemicals – known as DEHP and DEHA – used to make plastic softer and more ‘sticky’. They are the reason why plastic wrap clings – and why it is so hard to smooth it out again once you have scrunched it up. They have been found to cause cancer in animal studies.
Fact Sheet on PlasticisersClick here to read the fact sheet on cling wrap plasticisers.
How are you Exposed to Plasticisers?Plasticisers can migrate into the food they are wrapped around – especially fatty foods like cheese and meat. This process is accelerated at high temperatures such as when cling-wrapped food is microwaved.
How to Avoid PlasticisersAfter laboratory tests on various clingwrap brands, CANSA has given the nod of approval to Gladwrap, and in-house brands from Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Shoprite, SPAR and Woolworths – which are free of the offending chemicals.
You can also avoid using clingwrap by storing food in glass and plastic containers, or wrapping it in foil.
CANSA is delighted that there are clingfilm products in South Africa, made out of polyethylene, that are free of plasticisers - such as the House Brands of Pick 'n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, SPAR and Woolworths and GLAD Wrap.
Links
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