Toronto's Food Packaging Proposals Raise Health Concerns

    TORONTO, Nov. 27 /CNW/ - Health experts are urging the City of Toronto to
undertake detailed research into the potential health risks associated with
its policy of encouraging consumers to use reusable bags, food containers and
coffee mugs.
    Toronto is considering a number of initiatives aimed at reducing in-store
food packaging, including a five-cent charge on plastic shopping bags and
possible bans on food containers. But the city has not looked at the human
health risks associated with these proposals, and its public health department
has not addressed the issue.
    Sample swab testing conducted November 1 - 18 by Guelph Chemical
Laboratories of a reusable plastic shopping bag found considerable bacterial
build-up and a high mold count. The reusable bag was selected randomly from a
shopper leaving a grocery store and had been in use for one year to transport
groceries.
    The testing showed an elevated bacteria count of 1,800 on the reusable
bag - more than three times the level of 500 considered safe for water. The
mold count was also quite high.
    "With these counts, the significant presence of coliform and mold
especially, you have the potential for bacterial cross contamination of food,"
said Rupesh Pandey, General Manager of Guelph Chemical Laboratories. "It would
be similar to carrying your food home in your hands after not washing them all
day."
    He explained that "the problem with reusables is that people often don't
wash them, as is the case with this reusable bag, or they don't wash them
properly." Reusables need to be washed in water that is at least 140 degrees
Celsius to ensure sanitation.
    Joe Schwarcz, scientist and Director of the University of McGill Office
of Science and Society, noted that the preliminary testing raises an alarm
bell and shows more research is needed. "The City must take a closer look at
the health impacts. Bacterial build up and cross-contamination are the chief
concerns with reusables."
    As far as can be determined, Toronto Public Health has not examined or
commented on the issue, even though it has been asked by a number of groups
for its assessment.
    "We know that a sample size of one is not enough, but one canary in the
tunnel is enough to serve as a warning," Schwarcz noted.

For further information: Jaclyn Clare/Jesse Kohl, [phone]