The NGO Foodwatch warns of the presence of mineral oils suspected of being carcinogenic in certain food products. Derived from hydrocarbons, these mineral oils come from packaging inks, glue, but also from the maintenance of production machines. “Manufacturers are fully aware”, corn “they do not act”, regretted Thursday, December 9 on franceinfo Camille Dorioz, campaigns manager at Foodwatch. Out of 152 products in several European countries, one in eight food products tested contained toxic mineral oils.
franceinfo: Why are you not heard when you have been denouncing these contaminations for so long?
Camille Dorioz: We do what we ask, it’s zero tolerance in all food, because we must be very clear, the health authorities do not compromise on these mineral oils. They say that no dose is acceptable in the diet today. There is no questioning of the dangerousness of this type of product. It is potentially carcinogenic, potentially mutagenic and potentially endocrine disrupting. Even manufacturers have published reports that offer alternatives to avoid contamination. But there is no ban on selling products that are contaminated. There is no obligation to test, to verify, which weighs on manufacturers. Manufacturers are fully aware of this. Manufacturers know this contamination. They know her and yet they do not act. And suddenly, it is really up to the States to regulate today.
What means do you have to make things happen?
We continue to do tests that are possible because we are funded directly by consumers who allow us to do these tests. So we will continue to do so as long as manufacturers and States have not made a commitment.
“We call on everyone to come and sign this petition which targets all the countries of the European Union because, of course, the decision is European, but it depends above all on the States.”
Camille Dorioz, Campaign Manager at Foodwatchto franceinfo
It depends on all the states of Europe, which must together take the decision to ban this type of contamination in our food.
Have you pleaded your case in France?
Yes, we pleaded our case in France. We talk a lot with the health authorities, the DGCCRF which takes care of all the controls and works a lot on the subject. But we know that it will take political significance. There is the French presidency of the EU which is emerging. This type of food contamination must also be a priority for the French presidency of the EU. She must use it to ban it.