How to use foam boxes to ensure safety?

According to the Food Safety Department , foam boxes are made from polystyrene (PS) with air accounting for 95% and PS accounting for only 5%, so they are very light. Foam boxes for storing and preserving food are widely used in the world. Although they are safe materials, there is a risk of affecting the health of consumers due to lead and cadmium contamination from impure raw materials for producing boxes and styrene and ethylbenzene contamination due to improper use of foam boxes for storing and preserving food.

The Food Safety Department recommends that foam food containers should only be used once and temporarily. Photo: VFA.

To safely use foam food storage boxes, the Food Safety Department recommends: Foam boxes made from PS should only be used to store and preserve food with temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius. Foam food storage boxes should only be used once and temporarily; do not use foam boxes to store and preserve food for long periods of time. Do not use foam boxes to store hot foods and drinks, foods high in fat, or boiling water. Do not use foam boxes to store sour foods and drinks (pickles, vinegar salads, lemonade, lemon tea, etc.) or fat or cooking oil. Do not use a microwave to heat food stored in foam boxes.

For manufacturers and traders, the Food Safety Department requires that they ensure full compliance with regulations on safety conditions for foam boxes containing food and other food packaging and storage tools and materials as prescribed in Article 18 of the Food Safety Law.

Do not use recycled materials to produce foam food containers. Do not use unauthorized additives in the production of foam food containers. There are specific instructions on conditions of use (limits on temperature, oil, grease, acidity, alkalinity, etc.) according to product requirements. Comply with technical and management requirements on hygiene and safety for synthetic plastic packaging and utensils in direct contact with food according to the provisions of 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).

The Food Safety Department emphasized that 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 regulations.

DIEP CHAU

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Source: https://baodaknong.vn/su-dung-hop-xop-nhu-the-nao-de-bao-dam-an-toan-250478.html