Paper Lama Carcinogen

Government would act against any food operator who used printed paper for packing food starting next month. Director-general of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said there were food operators who still failed to abide by the directive in violation of Regulation 35 and 36 of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

Food operators must also ensure that the preparation, packing or serving of food was free from contamination. The food wrappers must also be non-toxic and strong enough to withstand tears or leaks. Newspapers could only be used as a second layer of wrapping, while the first layer must be made out of materials, such as plastic or banana leaves.

Printed paper was found to contain harmful chemicals that could cause cancer. Carcinogens in the ink can affect a person’s digestive system, and increase toxicity in the body.

Food operators must use methods that would prevent the ink from the newspapers contaminating the packed food,” Noor Hisham was quoted as saying. Consumers could lodge complaints against food operators at the nearest state health departments and health district offices.

State health committee chairman, Jafperi Othman said printed paper was found to contain harmful chemicals that could cause cancer.