Are Styrofoam food containers safe?

Risks due to impure raw materials

According to the Food Safety Department ( Ministry of Health ), foam boxes are made from polystyrene (PS) with air accounting for 95% and PS accounting for only 5%, so they are very light. Foam food boxes are widely used, are safe materials, but pose a risk to consumers' health due to lead and cadmium contamination from impure raw materials.

The Food Safety Department requires manufacturers and traders to fully comply with regulations on safety conditions for foam food containers and other food packaging and storage materials as prescribed (Article 18 of the Food Safety Law). At the same time, do not use recycled materials to produce foam food containers; do not use unauthorized additives in the production of foam food containers.

Note: Do not put styrofoam food containers in the microwave to avoid the risk of contamination with toxic substances.

PHOTO: PHUONG AN USING GEMINI AI

Manufacturers need to provide specific instructions on conditions of use (limits on temperature, oil, grease, acidity, alkalinity, etc.) according to product requirements. In particular, it is necessary to comply with technical and management requirements on hygiene and safety for synthetic plastic packaging and utensils in direct contact with food according to regulations (in the National Technical Regulation on hygiene and safety for synthetic plastic packaging and utensils in direct contact with food of the Ministry of Health - QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT).

Violations of regulations on production, trading, and use of tools, packaging materials, and containers that come into direct contact with food will be handled according to current regulations.

Only store food below 70 degrees Celsius in foam boxes

For users, to ensure safety, the Food Safety Department provides specific instructions as follows:

Only use foam boxes to contain and preserve food of clear origin, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

Use foam boxes to contain and preserve food according to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.

Styrofoam boxes made from PS are only used to contain and preserve food with temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius. Styrofoam food containers should only be used once and temporarily; do not use foam boxes to contain and preserve food for long periods of time.

Do not use styrofoam boxes to store hot foods, drinks, greasy foods, or boiling water; do not use styrofoam boxes to store sour foods and drinks (pickles, vinegar salad, lemon juice, etc.).

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

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hop-xop-dung-thuc-pham-co-an-toan-khong-185250503154341156.htm