The launch of an online petition by FoodWatch, in order to take action against mineral oils in food, has been welcomed by Clondalkin Flexible Packaging.

Launched last month in Europe, the campaign calls for the introduction of suitable barrier coatings for food packaging to limit the migration of harmful mineral oils into food products.

Mineral oil hydrocarbons derive from printing ink used in newsprint, which is commonly used to make recycled cardboard for food packaging. Some recent studies have linked these mineral oils to the inflammation of internal organs, including the liver, spleen and lymph nodes.

Earlier this year Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Wentus, based in Hoxter, Germany, announced the development of a new barrier film for dry food products that prevents the migration of potentially harmful mineral oils from the outer packaging into the food.

The multi-layer film can be used as a bag in box liner for a wide variety of dry foods, including rice, dried pasta, dry noodles, babyfood and cereal products. As well as possessing a high moisture barrier, the Wentopro film provides a barrier against mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH).

Christian Claes, business development director at Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Wentus, says, "We very much welcome this new campaign from FoodWatch. This is an issue that we have worked hard to address and the development of the Wentopro barrier film offers food manufacturers reassurance that their products are protected against the migration of these harmful mineral oils into their food products."