The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the food industry have alerted EU member states to possible findings of semicarbazide, a chemical that may cause cancer, in some foods sold in jars.
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Semicarbazide is yet to undergo extensive testing, but has been associated with cancers, liver damage and, if consumed at high levels, miscarriage and birth defects.
It is believed that this substance may migrate from the plastic sealing gaskets used in the lids of these jars, which generally contain wet food such as babyfood, fruit juices, jams, ketchup and mayonnaise. It is currently not known whether these results are correct. They may be the result of chemical reactions during testing, rather than a real finding in the products.
Reports assert that Swiss food giant Nestlé was among the companies that identified the problem. A group of companies that produce food in such jars, including Heinz, have launched a joint investigation.
The EFSA is assessing the situation, in particular the possible health risk. There is limited information on the possible risks from semicarbazide, and the EFSA is currently unable to provide a risk assessment. The UK Food Standards Agency has also commissioned its own research. The Agency said it is not currently advising anyone to stop buying or using products in jars.
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