Half of runny foods packaged in Australian glass jars are contaminated with controversial plastic softening chemicals at levels exceeding those set in Europe, a study shows. Research by consumer watchdog Choice, has found that runny, fatty foods sealed in glass screw-top jars contain high levels of so-called plasticisers, chemicals added to the plastic to make the rubber seal. Foods vulnerable to contamination have high oil content to soak up chemicals and are liquid enough to slop against the inside of the lid. Scientist tested 25 such products and found 13 had chemical levels above those set by the EU. One pesto sauce contained plasticisers at levels more than 12 times that permitted in the EU, and one tandoori dip had almost 230 times allowed levels. One food manufacturer in Australia has now initiated a precautionary withdrawal of two products pending further investigations.
