An issue of potential concern is the use of plastic pallets made with the neurotoxic flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca) by the food industry. Deca is a neurotoxin and suspected carcinogen that persists in the environment and accumulates in human tissue. In a letter to the FDA (see below) the Environmental Working Group argues that it appears likely that Deca treated pallets are being used in ways that could contaminate food with Deca without the necessary pre-market approval. The MoniQA emerging issues working group will look into this issue in the coming months.
Further Information
Plastic Pallets: From Fire Hazard to Toxic Platform?
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS140381+14-Apr-2009+PRN20...
EWG to FDA: Halt All Use of Deca-Laced Plastic Food Pallets
http://www.ewg.org/FlameRetardants/letter/EWG%27s-letter-to-FDA-Use-of-D...
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