The safety of commonly used disposable paper bowls and cups in daily life is naturally a major concern. According to investigations, many products are still not up to standard. The main areas of non-compliance focus on labeling, mold, and the rigidity of the cup body.
The Provincial Quality Supervision Bureau reminds consumers that when purchasing paper cups, they should choose products with lighter printed colors and differentiate between cold drink cups and hot drink cups. Cold drink cups are mainly used for frozen drinks, carbonated beverages, etc. Compared to hot drink cups, cold drink cups have less resistance to high temperatures, especially on the sides and bottom seals. If hot water is poured into them, under high temperature conditions, cold drink cups may leak, causing burns or other hazards. Therefore, cold drink cups should not be used for hot beverages.
In addition, when purchasing paper cups or paper bowls, ensure they have adequate rigidity and avoid printed surfaces that come into direct contact with food. Good paper cups or bowls are usually stiff and have elasticity, while inferior ones tend to be soft and lack rebound after being squeezed. It is suggested that consumers squeeze the product to check its stiffness and opt for paper cups and bowls with firm bodies. Some paper bowls may appear thick on the surface, made of food-grade virgin paper, but their middle layer could be made from recycled paper, corrugated board, or other materials. It is recommended to tear the paper to check if the inner layers are yellow or contain more impurities.
If the paper product is excessively white or contains visible impurities, it is advised not to use it.
Additionally, if the paper cups or bowls emit a strange odor when hot water is poured in, they should not be used. This could be due to the degradation of recycled polyethylene during processing, causing various compounds to evaporate when exposed to high temperatures, which can migrate into the water.
The Provincial Quality Supervision Bureau emphasizes that disposable paper bowls and cups are currently regulated by a production license system. The product or its packaging and instructions should feature the QS logo and number, and the usage instructions should indicate the product's intended use, precautions, temperature limits, and other relevant information. Consumers should pay attention to these details.