The Food Safety Administration provides guidance on the use of styrofoam containers for food storage and the potential risks involved.

Styrofoam containers for storing and preserving food are widely used. Although safe in some cases, they pose a potential health risk to consumers.

Styrofoam food containers are widely used today - Photo: TTD

On April 24th, the Food Safety Department ( Ministry of Health ) issued guidelines to ensure food safety in the use of styrofoam containers for storing and preserving food.

Styrofoam boxes are made from polystyrene (PS), with air making up 95% and PS only 5%, making them very lightweight. Styrofoam boxes for storing and preserving food are widely used around the world .

Although the material itself is safe, there is a risk of harm to consumer health due to lead and cadmium contamination from impure raw materials used in the production of the cans.

In addition, styrene and ethylbenzene can leach out due to improper use of styrofoam containers for storing and preserving food.

To ensure food safety when using styrofoam containers for storing and preserving food, the Food Safety Department advises people to only use styrofoam containers with clear origins and that comply with food safety regulations.

Use styrofoam containers to store and preserve food according to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Styrofoam containers made from PS are only intended for storing and preserving food at temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius.

Styrofoam food containers should only be used once and temporarily; they should not be used to store and preserve food for extended periods.

Do not use styrofoam containers to hold hot food and drinks, fatty foods, boiling water, acidic foods and drinks (pickled vegetables, salad dressings, lemonade, lemon tea, etc.), or cooking oil and fat.

Do not use a microwave to heat food contained in styrofoam containers.

For manufacturers and businesses, it is essential to fully comply with regulations regarding safety conditions for styrofoam food containers and other food packaging and storage materials as stipulated in Article 18 of the Food Safety Law.

Please note that recycled materials are not used in the production of styrofoam food containers, and no additives are permitted in the manufacturing of styrofoam food containers.

The Food Safety Administration also requires manufacturers and businesses to provide specific instructions on usage conditions (temperature limits, oil, fat, acidity, alkalinity, etc.) as required by the product.

Simultaneously, comply with technical and management requirements regarding hygiene and safety for packaging and utensils made of synthetic plastic that come into direct contact with food, as stipulated by regulations.

Violations of regulations concerning the production, sale, and use of utensils, packaging materials, and containers that come into direct contact with food will be handled according to regulations.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cuc-an-toan-thuc-pham-huong-dan-su-dung-hop-xop-dung-dung-thuc-an-co-nguy-co-the-nao-20250424160358289.htm