Politics & regulations

Chemicals that are banned in toys are allowed in food packaging.

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The chemical laws for toys are harder than for other kinds of products, which is really good. The reason for this is obviously because we want extra protection for our little ones. Kids also tend to put things in their mouths, which increases exposure to chemicals. Something else we humans tend to put in our mouths is food, and food packaging is a big area for toxic chemicals. When tested, chemicals that are banned in toys are regularly found in food packaging. Not the least, they are found in food items that are geared towards kids, like cornflakes or colourful yoghurt cups. Unfortunately, chemicals from the packaging can migrate to food. In general, migration increases with heat, and smaller packaging items – such as packaging for children – tend to have a higher ratio of chemicals compared to larger packaging. Furthermore, many chemicals migrate at higher levels in contact with fatty and/or acidic foods. These facts do not bode well when looking at food items that are regularly found to include problematic chemicals. It’s items related to baking (heat), for kids (smaller sizes) and for fast food such as fries (high fat levels).

Reference: https://chemsec.org/testing-finds-that-8-out-of-10-packaging-materials-for-food-contain-highly-toxic-chemicals/

120773
150 000 GOAL

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Let’s not put the chemical crisis off to the next generation.

We call on policy makers in the EU to take action against toxic chemicals in our nature, air, water and bodies. We ask them to:

  • Fully implement the European Union’s promises on its Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability to ensure a toxic-free Europe by 2030
  • A special focus must be to fix the outdated chemicals control law, REACH, to ensure the fast track banning of the most harmful chemicals in consumer products
  • Fully implement the European Union’s action plan to phase out PFAS, including support and facilitate the universal ban of PFAS as well as banning PFAS in sectoral legislations such as toys, cosmetics, packaging and food contact materials.
  • Aid communities affected by forever chemical pollution and ensure thorough monitoring, remediation, ground sanitation, health and other plans in response to their needs. Make polluting PFAS manufacturers and related companies accountable for these.

This petition is done together with several European environmental organisations.