Photo : Messenger
Experts in the field of food safety have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with the ink used in food packaging. These concerns extend to a range of diseases, including cancer, and are particularly worrisome when it comes to children. This heightened concern arises from the fact that most of the children are being affected by a significant portion of processed baby foods and various packaging materials.
Nevertheless, there is some positive news coming from the Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI). The organization has taken steps to address these concerns by establishing stringent standards for the ink used in product packaging, with the primary objective of ensuring food safety. In a promising development, by the end of September 2023, BSTI has successfully established and publicly released these new standards. According to BSTI sources, these standards have been meticulously crafted with a strong focus on safeguarding public health.
Food packaging and ink manufacturing companies are expressing optimism regarding BSTI's recent introduction of new standards. They believe that these standards will serve as a catalyst for enhancing their vigilance in the packaging of products, ultimately leading to the delivery of safer food to the general public.
The standard, known as 'Bangladesh Standard: Printing Ink for Food Packaging Code of Practice 2023,' includes a comprehensive list of ingredients and substances. Notably, this list identifies elements and substances like toluene, arsenic, lead, mercury, among others, which must be entirely excluded from the ink used in food packaging. The standard stipulates that only non-toxic materials, devoid of carcinogenic, sensitizing, or mutagenic properties, should be employed in the production of inks and coatings.
For situations where the food wrappers are directly in contact with the food, it is imperative to ensure that the ink's permeability is kept at a low level to prevent any potential migration of ink into the food product. Additionally, the printing process should be executed in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of set-off, where ink from the packaging adheres to the food.
Furthermore, in cases where there is a specific need for the printed surface of the food wrapper to come into direct contact with the food, it is imperative that the printing inks used consist of materials that are compliant with the regulations governing food additives set forth by the Government of Bangladesh.
Ink manufacturers should implement routine testing of ink ingredients that have the potential to transfer from the packaging to the food. Since it is challenging to completely eliminate traces of impurities in printing ink raw materials due to their production in commercial industrial settings, ink manufacturers should strive to minimize these impurities by maintaining a close and rigorous collaboration with their supply chain.
Additionally, ink manufacturers should provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to ensure transparency and safety information related to their products.
Furthermore, the standard specifies that the cumulative concentration levels of certain heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium (VI), within printing ink, must not exceed 100 parts per million (ppm).
Shamsuddoza Sawpan, Proprietor of Royal Ink & Coating, Birulia, Savar, told Daily Messenger, 'Toluene is a health hazard. Lemon chrome used in packaging is high in lead. So lemon chrome should be banned completely. This criterion should have been done earlier. We are putting our generation at risk.
Shamsuddoza Sawpan, the Proprietor of Royal Ink and Coating in Birulia, Savar, has emphasized the health risks associated with certain chemicals used in inks. Toluene is recognized as a health hazard, and lemon chrome, which contains high levels of lead, should be completely banned from use in packaging. Mr. Sawpan believes that this criteria for safety standards should have been established earlier, as it is a matter of safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
Monzur Morshed Ahmed, a Member of the Bangladesh Safe Food Authority, specializing in Public Health and Nutrition, expressed concerns about the safety of food contact materials, referring to food packaging. He pointed out that food comes into direct contact with packaging materials, and over time, the ink used in these packets can migrate into the food. If the ink contains heavy metals like toluene, lead, and cadmium, it poses potential harm to the human body. Mr. Ahmed emphasized that establishing such safety criteria should have been done earlier to protect consumers from these risks.
Monzur Morshed Ahmed further emphasized the importance of these standards, especially concerning baby foods, which are often processed and come into contact with packaging materials. This standard is a critical step in protecting children from potential harm. He highlighted that the Bangladesh Safe Food Authority, BSTI, and other relevant authorities, including the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, will play a vital role in implementing these standards effectively.
Mr. Ahmed also noted that developed countries have long-established strong regulations regarding food contact materials, with some European countries already using toluene-free inks for food packaging. Emphasizing the dangers of toluene, he pointed out that it can potentially lead to health issues, including cancer. Therefore, the adoption of toluene-free ink standards is a significant step toward promoting public health and ensuring the safety of the food supply.
Nilufa Haque, the former Director of Standards at BSTI, emphasized that while there is no food crisis here. That’s why the primary focus should be on ensuring the health and safety of the food supply. She called for a collective effort, encouraging food traders to actively participate in the pursuit of safe food.
Jahura Shikder, the Deputy Director (Chemistry) of BSTI's Quality Wing, clarified to the Daily Messenger that compliance with the newly introduced ink standards is not mandatory but voluntary. She pointed out that while there are 273 mandatory standards in place, BSTI has established over 4,000 standards in total. Despite being voluntary, adhering to these standards is essential to ensure that the ink used in food packaging maintains levels that are safe for the human body.
Messenger/Disha
