It added there was a high risk of cancer due to a possible chemical migration from such plastic packaging into its contents and called for withdrawing such goods from the Kingdom’s market.

SFDA’s warning came in the wake of latest studies and scientific research carried out by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an offshoot of the World Health Organization and other international agencies, Al-Madinah newspaper reported.

A senior SFDA official noted that some studies and research conducted by IARC have confirmed that some chemicals migrate from the plastic packaging into foods they contain and may cause even cancer.

The IARC’s mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer prevention and control.

The SFDA underlined the need to adhere strictly to the standards and criteria set by concerned authorities when manufacturing plastic products to prevent contamination.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Mohaizie, deputy president of SFDA for food affairs, urged consumers to avoid unhealthy and hazardous practices such as exposing food directly to the sun.

He also called for avoiding plastic food and drink containers and instead use paper bags and metal containers.

“Hot food should not be carried in plastic containers in any circumstances,” he said.

The SFDA official also warned that using nylon containers is also harmful, as they use a plastic polymer known generically as polyamides.

Plastic bags used in the packaging of foodstuffs, such as rice and bread, in the Kingdom are made of polyethylene, he said.

Al-Mohaizie identified the major factors that result in chemical migration from such packaging into its contents include high temperatures, especially during the summer season, exposure to ultraviolet rays and oily and acidic foodstuffs.

He added that these warnings have been supported by scientific research and studies carried out by leading international bodies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority.

Al-Mohaizie noted that the SFDA had conducted a number of studies to highlight the harmful effects of plastic packaging materials on foodstuffs.

The authority has also established a laboratory, the first of its kind in the Gulf, to monitor packaging.

He also drew attention to a number of warnings issued by the authority with regard to maintaining the standards of packaging materials. These include warnings against certain feeding bottles for infants.

The SFDA in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs is also conducting inspections at markets to root out any violations, he added.