Warning of the risk of poisoning when using foam boxes of unknown origin to store food

Styrofoam boxes should only be used to preserve food at temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius (illustrative photo)

According to the Food Safety Department ( Ministry of Health ), foam boxes are made from polystyrene (PS) with the main component being 95% air, the remaining 5% is PS, so they are very light. Thanks to its insulation and convenience, this material is widely used around the world to contain and preserve food.

Although considered a safe material, foam boxes still pose a potential health risk to consumers if their quality is not guaranteed or if they are used incorrectly. Some of the main causes come from lead and cadmium contamination in impure materials and the leaching of toxic substances such as styrene and ethylbenzene.

To ensure food safety, consumers are advised to only use foam boxes with clear origins that meet hygiene and safety regulations. PS foam boxes should only be used with food at temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius, and should not contain hot, greasy dishes, boiling water or acidic foods such as lemon juice, pickles, or vinegar.

In addition, this type of box should only be used once and for a short time, and absolutely should not be used to heat food in the microwave.

For manufacturing and trading enterprises, legal regulations require not to use recycled materials or unauthorized additives when producing foam boxes that come into direct contact with food.

Manufacturers need to clearly state instructions for use such as limits on temperature, acidity, alkalinity, and comply with the National Technical Regulation QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT of the Ministry of Health on hygiene and safety of plastic packaging used for food.

Violations in the production, trading and use of foam boxes that are not in accordance with regulations will be punished according to Decrees 115/2018/ND-CP, 124/2021/ND-CP and 117/2020/ND-CP of the Government on handling administrative violations in the field of food safety and health.

TB (summary)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/canh-bao-nguy-co-nhiem-doc-khi-dung-hop-xop-khong-ro-nguon-goc-dung-thuc-pham-410204.html