The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) and the International Confederation of Paper and Board Converters in Europe (CITPA) have announced that mineral oil hydrocarbons are to be removed from recycled paper packaging continent-wide.
Recycled paper including newsprint is frequently used in items such as cereal boxes, but research earlier in 2011 suggested it could contain harmful levels of chemicals that are leaching into foods.
German and Swiss studies showed there could be up to 100 times the safe levels of mineral oils in some packaging and suggested this could cause organ inflammation and even cancer over long periods.
In response, Jordans changed its printed labels, while other cereal manufacturers also said they would be looking into alternative production methods.
Now, CEPI and CITPA have said that mineral oils will be phased out, despite no concrete studies on their effects.
"The industry has agreed on a European-wide self-commitment," a spokesperson added.
Denny Bros Ltd, 13 December 2011
