Secondary Schools Ban Plastic Utensils, Citing Melamine Fears

Written by Ch.Sumiyabazar

Thursday, February 05, 2009.

The State Professional Inspection Agency banned the sale and use of plastic utensils, cups, trays, and mugs at public secondary school cafeterias last week. The agency confirmed that some Chinese-imported tableware was revealed to contain unacceptable levels of melamine in laboratory tests. “Melamine-based plastic tableware, trays and utensils are very popular amongst families with young children. They resist breakage, are dishwasher-safe, and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. But with repeated use, the plastic dish-ware develops cracks and scratches. And it can ‘bleed’ melamine into food,” said an agency inspector. The agency advised the general public to discard tableware that is scratched, weathered, or discolored, and avoid using it for acidic beverages, hot soups, or hot beverages— especially acidic hot beverages such as coffee—in order to minimize the potential of melamine contaminating food. The Importing of plastic tableware which contains melamine have been temporarily banned.