Packed milk on shelves at a Tuskys Supermarket. [Photo/the-star]
Kenyans have been cautioned against consuming milk packed in plastic containers and bags.
According to the Kenya Diary Board (KDB), scientific evidence has shown that milk in Kenya packed in plastic materials can cause health risks like cancer.
The evidence reveals that when milk gets in contact with the plastic materials, reactions occurs which then corrodes the packages thus leading to production of chemicals that could harm the body.
According to KDB Technical Services Manager, Philip Cherono, the harmful chemicals can cause cancer.
“Some chemical react with those in milk to produce substances that are harmful to consumers, “Scientific studies that has found that milk contains a mixture of as many as 20 chemicals from painkillers, antibiotics, growth hormones or even feeds given to cows. Research suggests that all plastics may filtrate chemicals if they are scratched or heated. Some of chemicals such as BPA, may cause cancer,” said Cherono.
The warning comes at a time when Kenya is planning to do away with plastic bags across the country starting August 31, 2017.