Policy for using newspapers to pack food should be standardised - Subramaniam

Health Minister Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam said its ministry will hold several discussions to ensure that the policy using of printed materials to pack food is standardised across the country.

He said, although the policy is clear but the ministry is still educational and supportive approach to refrain food operators from using the materials.

"The use of printed materials or newspapers in food packaging has the potential to affect our health.

"They (the newspapers) have been touched by many hands and the ink used are made from contaminated materials. If it is used for packing food, of course, it can cause health problems.

"So far the Health Ministry only use educational approach. However, discussions need to be done in order to standardise the policies," said Dr Subramaniam.

He was commenting on the recent action by the Perlis state government prohibiting the usage of newspapers to wrap food items starting January 1, next year.

In a statement on Sunday, the state government said it will take legal action against any food operator who uses printed paper for packing food.

State Health Committee chairman, Jafperi Othmansaid based on toxicological studies, printed paper was found to contain harmful chemicals that could cause cancer.

He said carcinogens in the ink can affect a person's digestive system, and increase toxicity in the human body.