2022-07-28
How to identify the quality of disposable tableware and ensure food safety
Office workers generally eat one or two meals outside every day, and some even eat all three meals outside. When dining out, they inevitably use disposable chopsticks. Many people know that disposable chopsticks are unhygienic, but Mr. Wang, a citizen, found mold on the disposable chopsticks he used when treating friends to a meal.
“A few days ago, I treated two friends to dinner at a restaurant near Yong'an Township. Just after ordering and sitting down, the waiter brought three pairs of chopsticks, packaged in ‘green and environmentally friendly tableware’ bags. However, when my friends and I opened the packaging after the food arrived, we were shocked to see that half of the 30-centimeter-long chopsticks were covered in green mold. The waiter casually threw the moldy chopsticks into the trash can,” Mr. Wang said angrily when recalling the scene. “How can chopsticks clearly labeled ‘green and environmentally friendly tableware’ have mold? The restaurant waiter didn't explain much, just replaced them with two new pairs of chopsticks.”
It is understood that the "Implementation Details of Food Packaging Containers and Utensils", promulgated by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in 2006, clearly states that the small packaging units of disposable products should indicate the product's shelf life. The shelf life of disinfected disposable chopsticks is 4 months.
Subsequently, the reporter saw a variety of disposable chopsticks in a shop in the urban area that wholesales disposable products. Many chopsticks were exposed, only bundled with a rubber band. The shop owner introduced that these are cheap, 100 pairs only cost 2 yuan. Some have paper or plastic bag packaging; these generally cost 5-6 yuan for 100 pairs, but the packaging bags have neither production dates nor shelf life. When asked about the shelf life of the chopsticks, the shopkeeper said that disposable products don't have a shelf life like food; as long as they are not dirty or wet and don't grow mold, they can be used anytime.
In the interview, the reporter found that most citizens did not understand the shelf life of disposable chopsticks. “We just break them open and use them. If there are too many splinters or they turn black, we'll just change to another pair; there are plenty of chopsticks anyway,” one citizen said.
Disposable tableware has many problems and hidden dangers. Does this mean disposable tableware cannot be used? In this regard, relevant departments suggest that consumers should strengthen their ability to identify counterfeit products and pay attention to using disposable tableware produced by regular manufacturers. First, check if the tableware markings are complete; second, feel if the tableware is easily broken; third, smell if there is any unusual odor.
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