Denmark, one step closer to ban fluorine in food packaging
Denmark is taking steps to ban harmful fluoride in food packaging. Even if some businesses in fast food and retail have voluntarily phased out the substances used in surface treatment of cardboards and paper for food, analyzes show that these substances may still be contained in the products.
"I will not accept the risk of harmful fluorinated substances migrating from the packaging to our food. These substances represent such a health problem that we can no longer wait for the EU," said Food Minister Mogens Jensen in a press release.
The ban is being consulted today and should apply until EU regulation of the drugs comes. The ban includes the use of all organic fluorinated compounds in food contact materials of cardboard and paper. It will continue to be possible to use recycled paper and paper for food, but if there is a fluorine content in the material, then it must be separated from the food with a barrier which ensures that fluoride does not migrate into the food.
The problem with the fluorinated substances is that they are very difficult to break down in the environment, and some of them accumulate in humans and animals. In addition, many of them are suspected of being carcinogenic and endocrine disruptors.
The ban has been put into external consultation on the consultation portal. The National Food Authority expects the ban to take effect until July 2020.
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