BRUSSELS—FLEXNEWS reported that a European Union-wide investigation has been launched after a cardboard box-migrating toxic chemical was found in food products.
A Belgian manufacturer of chocolate crunch muesli alerted the Belgian Food Safety Agency (FAVV-AFSCA) that a German customer discovered that 4-methylbenzophenone, a chemical substance that can be found in ink, had migrated from the outside cardboard box to the food product inside. According to the Belgian food producer, the packaging was manufactured in the Netherlands and has been widely distributed in the EU.
FAVV-AFSCA's investigation revealed that seven other Belgian food producers used the Dutch-made cardboard boxes. The authority is testing the products of these manufacturers. Seven other member states are concerned by this problem.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is preparing an emergency risk evaluation report that is expected to be issued in March.
