Many people rarely think twice about the kitchen paper sitting next to the stove. It is used to soak up grease, dry vegetables and help with everyday cooking.
But a new consumer investigation suggests that one common type of kitchen paper may come with a hidden drawback that few shoppers are aware of, reports Tv4.se.
According to testing carried out by Swedish consumer magazine Råd & Rön, and supported by guidance from the Swedish Food Agency, some kitchen paper products made from recycled fibres may transfer unwanted chemicals into food. The findings have raised concerns among food safety experts and consumer advocates alike.
Chemicals detected
Researchers examined 16 different kitchen paper brands, evaluating everything from absorbency and durability to hygiene and chemical content.
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The results showed that all products made entirely from recycled fibres contained bisphenols, a group of chemicals that previous studies have linked to potential effects on reproductive health and the immune system.
Some products were also found to contain optical brighteners, substances commonly used to make paper appear whiter.
Food contact risk
Because bisphenols are fat-soluble, experts say they can more easily migrate into fatty foods when direct contact occurs. This is one reason why food safety authorities have long advised consumers to be cautious when using recycled paper products during food preparation.
To better understand the potential risk, researchers conducted additional tests using bacon. They found that chemical transfer increased significantly when the paper was heated in a microwave. Lower levels were detected after normal frying, but traces of the substances still moved from the paper into the food.
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What consumers should check
Experts say packaging does not always clearly indicate when a product is unsuitable for food contact. Instead, shoppers are encouraged to look for the glass-and-fork symbol, which signifies that the product has been approved for use with food.
The findings highlight how an everyday kitchen item can play a larger role in food safety than many consumers realize.
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