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Concerns raised over latex in food wrappers8 August 2006 Certain food wrappers and packaging can contain hidden quantities of latex rubber which may transfer to food and potentially trigger fatal allergic reactions, a new study has found. Tests commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have revealed that one-third of food packaging contains latex, which could in some cases be passed onto food. The natural latex, derived from the sap of rubber trees, is commonly used as an adhesive on chocolate bar and ice-cream wrappers and in stickers on fresh produce such as apples. It can trigger severe allergic reactions in one to six percent of the population. Although there is no agreement on the current safe level of latex in food wrappings, previous studies have shown that a billionth of a gram (1ng/ml) can be enough to cause a reaction. However, the FSA tests found one chocolate biscuit which contained almost 20 times this level. "For a few people, natural rubber latex is a very potent allergen and for these individuals, there is no safe level of exposure," said Graham Lowe, spokesman for the UK Latex Allergy Support Group (LASG) Advisory Panel. "We would welcome an approach to the EU to consider this evidence and the issue of labelling," he added. For more information on latex allergy visit the UK Latex Allergy Support Group website (www.lasg.co.uk) or Allergy UK (www.allergyuk.org). For more information about the study visit the Food Standards Agency website (www.food.gov.uk). More information
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