Why is recycled paper banned for use in food containers?

(a) Because it creates a lot of spaces

(b) Because it creates contamination

(c) Because paper can be used only one time

(d) Because paper is very thick and can’t cover the food containers

 

The correct answer is (b) Because it creates contamination.

Food Safety and Recycled Paper

The primary reason recycled paper is often banned or restricted for use in containers that have direct contact with food is the risk of contamination.The raw material for recycled paper is a mix of used paper products from various sources. This waste paper can contain a variety of non-food-grade substances, such as:

• Inks and dyes from printing
• Glues and adhesives from labels and binding
• Chemicals like bleach or cleaning agents
• Plastic residues from laminated papers or windowed envelopes

During the recycling process, it's extremely difficult to remove 100% of these contaminants. The major health concern is that these harmful chemicals could leach from the paper packaging into the food, posing a risk to the consumer. To ensure food safety, regulations typically require that any material in direct contact with food be made from virgin, food-grade materials.