It’s easy to find colorful and attractively patterned plastic bowls and plates in traditional markets, with various designs, lightweight, and extremely affordable, costing only about 3,000 VND for a plastic rice bowl.
This raises the question of why these plastic tableware items are so inexpensive. When searching for “chen dia nhua” (plastic bowls and plates) on social media, you will find that those with clear origins and complete supplier information are priced at a minimum of 10,000 VND per bowl.
Higher-quality products originating from Japan and South Korea have price tags starting from 100,000 VND and can go up to 300,000 VND.
However, in traditional markets, a set of ten plastic bowls may cost only around 30,000 to 40,000 VND, which is significantly cheaper than the better-quality options available in the market.
1 Inexpensive Plastic Tableware vs. Quality Plastic Tableware
Tableware from reputable brands and clear origins is usually made of melamine, a material recognized by the FDA as safe for human health.
Melamine tableware can withstand extremely high temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius, and when used within permissible conditions, it will not release any chemicals harmful to health.
On the other hand, cheap plastic tableware is often made of Urea Formaldehyde, a less expensive material than melamine, with lower heat resistance of only up to 80 degrees Celsius. These tend to deteriorate quickly and are more prone to damage after a short period.
2 Hidden Dangers of Inexpensive Plastic Tableware
According to expert Huynh Le Huy Cuong, tableware from reputable brands is rigorously controlled for raw materials and safety standards, assuring consumers of their safety.
In contrast, the cheap plastic tableware commonly found in markets is often made of Urea Formaldehyde, which has poor heat resistance and can release Formaldehyde, a substance long identified by the World Health Organization as a potential carcinogen and teratogen.
Therefore, using inexpensive plastic tableware of uncertain origin to hold hot food or exposing it to strong detergents can lead to discoloration and severe damage, posing a severe threat to the user’s health.
3 Consumer Caution Regarding Inexpensive Tableware
In reality, it is nearly impossible to distinguish between quality and inferior plastic tableware. Therefore, consumers should opt to purchase from reputable sources authorized to sell standard-compliant tableware.
Additionally, when buying plastic tableware, consumers should keep the following in mind:
– Opt for plain white tableware with minimal colors. Avoid soaking or storing acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice for extended periods.
– Do not scrub with steel wool: Using steel wool can remove the surface gloss, cause scratches, and facilitate the release of formaldehyde. Proper cleaning is essential for the safety of the tableware. It is best to avoid steel wool and instead soak stubborn stains like coffee in a detergent solution, then scrub with a cloth or put them in the dishwasher.
– Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures: The higher the temperature, the more formaldehyde is released. Quality plastic tableware can typically withstand temperatures ranging from 0 to 120 degrees Celsius. Exceeding this temperature threshold, such as by holding 200-degree oil for 10 minutes, can cause melamine to decompose and release significant amounts of formaldehyde. Even at 100 degrees Celsius, if left for four hours, many samples release formaldehyde levels above the permitted standard.
– When purchasing plastic tableware, in addition to choosing reputable stores, carefully examine the brand and production license on the packaging. If the surface appears discolored, do not use it. You can test the quality by pouring boiling water into the product; if bubbles appear, it indicates inferior quality. Labels on products often warn against using them in microwaves as it accelerates formaldehyde release. Consumers should thoroughly study the technical specifications before making a purchase.
While plastic tableware is popular among homemakers, opting for cheap plastic products can pose a severe health risk to your family. Therefore, it is essential to be a wise homemaker and refrain from using inexpensive plastic products.
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The Golden Rule of Buying Bowls: Avoid These Four Pitfalls
If you have any of these four types of bowls in your household, it’s best to get rid of them, even if they seem perfectly usable. This is not superstition; there are valid reasons for doing so.
