Tips for purchasing and using food-related products - paper cups, paper straws

Paper, bamboo, and ceramic food-related products commonly used by consumers include paper cups, paper straws, bamboo chopsticks, ceramic tableware, etc. If these food-related products are used improperly for a long time, they may cause harmful substances to migrate into the food, causing food safety problems.

On the occasion of Food Safety Week 2022, with the starting point of ensuring public food safety, the State Administration for Market Regulation organized the compilation of purchase and use tips for 5 commonly used paper, bamboo, and ceramic food-related products, hoping to guide consumers Properly purchase and use scientifically to prevent food-related product safety risks.

paper cup

Paper cups refer to paper utensils used to hold food or drinks. They have the advantages of low price and easy use. They are commonly found in homes or public places. According to their uses, they can be divided into cold drink cups, hot drink cups and ice cream cups. When purchasing and using paper cups, in addition to paying attention to problems such as excessive fluorescent whitening agent, insufficient stiffness of the cup body, and unqualified leakage performance, you also need to pay attention to the following issues:

Buying Tips

1. Paper cups are licensed products. When purchasing paper cups, consumers should pay attention to whether there is a QS mark on the packaging. If not, please do not buy it.

2. Paper cup packaging should have detailed product information, such as trademark, production date, shelf life, usage precautions and uses, etc. Consumers should choose the product that suits them based on the above content.

3. Good-quality paper cups generally have complete packaging and sealing, clear font printing, clean and stain-free inner and outer surfaces of the paper cup, as well as the mouth and bottom of the cup. The paper cup will not be too soft and deformed when gently pinched, and there is no peculiar smell when smelling the paper cup.

4. If you have a small UV flashlight or other UV gadget, you can illuminate and observe the contact surface with the drink. If there is obvious blue fluorescence, you should purchase it with caution.

Use suggestions

1. Paper cups are susceptible to moisture. After opening, paper cups should be stored in a ventilated, dry place that is not susceptible to moisture, sealed in time, and used as soon as possible.

2. Hot drink cups and cold drink cups should not be mixed. The surface of cold drink cups and ice cream cups is generally coated with edible wax and cannot be used to hold hot drinks. Otherwise, the surface wax layer will easily melt and mix into food, affecting taste, hygiene and food safety.

3. Paper cups are disposable tableware and it is recommended not to use them repeatedly.

paper straws

Paper straws refer to disposable paper straws for food contact that are made of paper processed from wood pulp or other plant fibers as the main raw material, printed or not, and made through bonding, winding, drying and slitting. The paper straws currently circulating on the market are divided into two types according to color: colored paper straws and plain paper straws. When consumers purchase and use paper straws, in addition to paying attention to the appearance and feel of paper straws, they also need to pay attention to the following issues:

Buying Tips

1. You should purchase compliant products produced by regular manufacturers, and focus on checking whether the product labels or instructions are complete and content (including product name, material, compliance with safety standards, manufacturer's name, address and contact information, production date and date of use, etc.) is complete.

2. It is recommended to give priority to original color products and products without irritating odors to avoid the risk of heavy metals and chemical substances that may migrate into food due to adhesive residues, colorants and inks.

3. Try to choose products with independent sealed packaging to avoid risks such as microbial contamination due to improper storage during transportation and circulation.

Use suggestions

1. When using paper straws, avoid contact with drinks for too long, which will cause the product to change properties due to long-term soaking and release chemical substances, which will affect human health.

2. Please do not use paper straws to drink products that are too cold or too hot. It is best to avoid using hot drinks to avoid the risk of burns and accelerated paper melting.

3. During use, you should avoid bad usage habits, such as biting the straw, to prevent paper scraps from getting mixed into food.