A recent study by the Food Standards Agency found some food packaging contains hidden latex that could trigger potentially fatal allergic reactions. Latex is derived from natural rubber and is used in food packaging materials such as rubber bands, stickers on fruit and vegetables as well as in cold-seal adhesives. In the study, one third of all packaging was contaminated with latex and there were some cases were the latex was transferred to the food.
Up to 5% of the population is thought to suffer from latex allergies. As little as a billionth of a gram per milliliter (1ng/ml) has been reported to cause a reaction. In the study, ice cream wrappers were found to have the highest level of latex at 370 ng/ml.
Latex Allergies in the News
Latex in food wrappers, packaging and rubber gloves must be declared[NEWS MEDICAL]
Latex used in one-third of food packaging, study finds
[FOOD PRODUCTION DAILY]
Warning over food wrap allergy
[BBC NEWS]
