Nutritionists and public health physicians have cautioned Nigerians to avoid eating food like suya (barbecued meat) and others wrapped in newspapers or leaflets, as they have been associated with a higher risk of cancer and other serious health complications.
The experts stressed that food wrapped in printed papers contains toxic substances like lead, which have been linked to the development of kidney damage, digestive disorders, weakened immune systems, and cancer.
They added that when printed paper is used as wraps for edible meals, lead frequently leaches into them, especially when such food is fried.
According to the World Health Organisation, at high levels of exposure to lead, the brain and central nervous system can be severely damaged causing coma, convulsions, and even death.
WHO noted that children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with permanent intellectual disability and behavioural disorders.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts noted that it is wrong to wrap cooked foods in newspapers and fliers, stressing that there is hardly any ink that does not contain lead.
They explained that the ink used in these newspapers and leaflets contains several harmful pathogenic micro-organisms that pose an inherent danger to human health when the food wrapped in them is consumed.
Shedding light on this, a Chief Dietitian at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olufunmilola Ogunmiluyi said toxic material like lead can harm the production of blood cells and absorption of calcium needed for strong bones and teeth, muscle movements, nerves and blood vessels.
While stressing the importance of avoiding newspaper-wrapped foods, she added, “It is not safe at all to eat food wrapped in newspaper when considering food safety hazards. The ink used in newspapers contains harmful colours, pigments, binders, additives, and preservatives that can make the food unhealthy even if it is cooked healthily.
“There are lots of associated health risks when eating food wrapped in newspapers. It can cause serious health issues. The ink used in newspapers contains hazardous chemicals.
“The main chemicals used to produce newsprint inks are pigments, resins, solvents, and drying agents that may affect the quality of food, increase the risk of digestive disorders, toxicity, cancer, can weaken the immune system, and may cause the failure of vital organs because these chemicals are not meant to be consumed.
“Newspaper also contains a toxic material called lead and it is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the earth’s crust. Some of the chemicals in the ink newspaper can also cause cancer.
“The printing ink contains various bioactive materials that can be harmful and which can contaminate food and lead to health issues when ingested.”
On the best alternatives, the food expert noted, “The better alternative is using aluminium foil to wrap our food before or after roasting.
“But apart from civilization, the best wraps for food to be consumed are corn wraps or ‘moimoi’ leaves. They are not only safe for consumption but are also of much health benefits to body organs.”
On his part, a professor of Public Health at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Tanimola Akande said ink used in printing newspapers contains harmful colours, chemicals and preservatives, which are hazardous to human health.
The former National Chairman, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria explained that the ink can contaminate food and cause health problems like cancer.
According to him, the ink falls off the paper into the greasy food and that can also cause indigestion and food poisoning.
“Consumers should simply not use newspapers to wrap food. In the alternatives, papers without ink can be used.
“Safer alternatives are papers without ink. Also, wax paper can be used to wrap food. Aluminium foil can also be used to wrap food,” he noted.
In a study published in the journal, Food Additives and Contaminants, it was noted that using printed newspapers to wrap food can expose people to harmful chemicals.
The study found that many types of printing inks contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer and other health problems.
The researchers discovered that these chemicals can transfer from the newspaper to food during the wrapping process and that people can then ingest them when they eat the food.
They also noted that higher temperatures can increase the transfer of the chemicals to food.
