Disposable dishware can cause cancer, warns expert

New Delhi, March 26 (ANI): Nearly half of the disposable containers used to serve and pack food in China can cause cancer, a food-packaging expert has warned.

Dong Jinshi, vice-president of the Hong Kong-based International Food Packaging Association (IFPA), said these use-and-throw dishes often contain excessive amounts of chemicals, reports China Daily.

He pointed out that about 30 per cent of disposable dishware used in Beijing is second-rate.

According to Dong, his information is based on a nine-year research project carried out by his association as well as some documents from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

An IFPA report released this month reveals that the Chinese use 15 billion disposable food boxes annually. These boxes are made of foam, plastic or paper pulp.

Dong said less than 10 percent of the disposable dishes available in the market were made of paper pulp, which is usually safer but more expensive. The boxes made of foam and plastic constitute about 45 percent of the market share each. (ANI)