POTENTIAL MUTAGENECITY OF FORMALDEHYDE ADDED TO MILK

Abstract

There is a nearly endless list of chemicals and biological agents that can be injurious when inhaled, Ingested or absorbed through the skin. Some drugs produce injUiy in the course of therapy and others are introduced accidentally or intentionally into the body. The use of formalin (40% solution of formaldehyde) as a food preservative may be an example of the later group. Formalin, a powerful preservative, is not permitted to be added to food directly. However, any food may contain formaldehyde derived from any wet strength wrapping containing formaldehyde based resin or of plastic food containers made from any resin of which formaldehyde is a condensing component. In contrast to extensive attention paid to systemic toxic effects of formaldehyde, studies concerning the potential mutagenicity of formaldehyde are still with conflicting results. Although formaldehyde is hazardous to human health, many food handlers in Egypt illegally add formaldehyde to milk to improve its keeping quality. This work was carried out to study the mutagenic effect of milk adulterated with formaldehyde In adult female albino rats.