Label toxicity in China originates from benzene

Food labels are commonly used for "paste"

In several supermarkets in the city, the reporter found that, whether it is fish, fresh meat, or cold dishes, fruits and vegetables, the label attached to the transparent packaging bag is the only way to checkout. There are supermarkets that stick labels directly to vegetables or tape vegetables.

At Auchan Supermarket, the reporter saw that the cabbages, white rice, and cabbages in the vegetable sales area were all taped together and the price tag was directly attached to the vegetables. Most consumers do not understand this, they choose the vegetables into the shopping cart.

In another supermarket where supermarkets sell cooked food, the reporter saw cooked foods packed in boxes and sealed with cling film. The price tag was directly attached to the plastic wrap. The reporter noticed that these cooked foods are greasy products, and some temperatures are still there, apparently just released.

Label toxicity in China originates from benzene

"Adhesives are mainly composed of rubber (raw materials), pigments (for ink coloring), and solvents." Dong Jinshi, executive vice president and secretary-general of the International Food Packaging Association, said that researchers from the British "Daily Mail" reported that researchers The acrylic adhesives tested are rarely used in our country.

“The main problem with the use of food label adhesives in China is the high toxicity of solvents. The reason is that solvents contain benzene, toluene, and xylene. These types of chemicals that have been banned from use on labels in foreign countries are commonly used in China,” he said. Benzene contains toxins and is a carcinogen. Due to the high volatility of benzene, it can easily spread when exposed to the air. People who consume too much benzene can cause vomiting, stomachache, dizziness, insomnia, convulsions, heart rate, and even death.

Bare labeling is more toxic

Dong Jinshi mentioned that if the price tag is directly affixed to fruits and vegetables, the benzene poison in the label will directly invade the food and the toxicity is very high.

So, if the label is attached to the cling film or packaging bag, can it withstand the toxicity? the answer is negative. "The main purpose of cling film is to prevent water loss, prevent water permeability, and its permeability is quite strong. Therefore, the benzene poison on the label can completely penetrate the film gap of the cling film and penetrate into the food." Dong Jinshi said, more troublesome Yes, toxins can also permeate paper, plastic, and other packaging, contaminating food.

It is understood that there are usually three kinds of foods that are easily stained with toxins on the labels: First, they are oily, and fats can easily dissolve toxins in packaging materials and adhesives; followed by high-temperature, high-temperature toxins in packaging materials and adhesives. It is easy to volatilize; in the end, it takes a long time to store, and the longer the time, the more toxins invade.

Missing standards

Consumers should always be vigilant

Although the safety of food packaging labels is closely related to the health of consumers, there are no relevant laws and regulations for the use of label adhesives.

To this end, experts have reminded consumers that when buying fruits and vegetables, try not to buy food labels and fruits and vegetables in direct contact with the goods. Once purchased, such fruits and vegetables should be cut off after contact with the label. Cooked foods should be aired for some time to ensure safety.