On 19 February 2009 , the Customs and Excise Department advised the public to watch out for one model of melamine ladle with excessive level of formaldehyde migration following safety test conducted on melamine tableware obtained from the market. In this article, we will talk about food safety issues in relation to melamine tableware. What is Melamine-ware? Tableware made of melamine-formaldehyde resins intended for repeated use is commonly known as melamine-ware. It is economical and widely used around the world due to its durability, and good chemical stability and heat resistance. Since melamine-ware does not easily break, it is commonly used as tableware for children. Is Melamine-ware Safe to Use? Melamine-ware is generally safe to use for serving food so long as it is used for the purposes specified by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers specify a temperature of -30oC to +120oC while some specify a temperature of up to +140oC. Hence, it should not be used for cooking or to be heated in microwave or conventional oven. Melamine and formaldehyde are the chemical building blocks of the material used in melamine-ware. Residues of these chemicals can be left in the finished product and can migrate into food. Occasionally, excessive migration of chemicals had been found in melamine-ware. Safety concerns of melamine-ware in these cases are usually related to the possible migration of formaldehyde into foodstuffs. Migration of Chemical Substances Migration of substances from tableware to foodstuffs is influenced by many factors including the material of the tableware, the type (aqueous, acidic, alcoholic or fatty) and nature (solid or liquid) of the food, temperature, duration and area of contact. There is currently no specific international limit regarding the migration of chemicals from melamine-ware. Specific migration limits have been established in some countries such as the European Union and Mainland China to regulate melamine-ware for food use. Overseas surveys conducted by United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (UKFSA) in 2004 and 2008 reported only a few melamine-ware had formaldehyde migration exceeding limits under experimental conditions simulating the worst case scenario, while melamine migration was well below limits. Recent survey conducted by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) in December 2008 found all melamine-ware tested that were produced by certified manufacturers in the Mainland were satisfactory. Health Concerns of Melamine and Formaldehyde in Foods Melamine is known for its low acute toxicity. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as “not classifiable according to its carcinogenicity to humans” (Group 3) due to inadequate evidence in humans. In 2008, significant concerns were raised worldwide following reports of renal stones in infants and children who had consumed milk tainted with high levels of melamine in the Mainland. Subsequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a tolerable daily intake for melamine at 0.2 mg/kg body weight. Although formaldehyde is not permitted to be used in foods, it is a metabolic intermediate which can be found naturally in food up to levels of 300 – 400 mg/kg, including fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, crustaceans etc. Ingestion of a small amount of formaldehyde is unlikely to cause any acute effect. However, ingestion of a large amount can result in acute toxicity causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, coma, renal injury and possible death. But such an exposure is unlikely from formaldehyde migration to food from melamine-ware. WHO considered that formaldehyde was not carcinogenic upon ingestion. Control on food-containing utensils in Hong Kong Food containers, as a kind of consumer goods, which are ordinarily supplied for private use or consumption in Hong Kong are controlled under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, Cap. 456. Section 6 of Food Business Regulation Cap. 132X stipulated that every person who carries on any food business shall at all times ensure that all furniture, articles, equipment and utensils used or liable to be used are kept clean and free from noxious matters and in proper repair and free from cracks or chipping. Advice to Consumers 1. Use melamine-ware according to product instructions. 2. Do not use melamine-ware that is broken or damaged on its surface. 3. Do not heat or cook foods in melamine-ware. 4. Do not use melamine-ware in microwave oven or conventional oven. 5. Do not use melamine-ware to hold hot oil, deep-fried foods, or store highly acidic foods. 6. For cleaning, do not use abrasive detergent and cleaning tools or strong chemicals which will damage the surface. Advice to the Trade 1. Manufacturers should adopt good manufacturing practices in making melamine-ware for food use. 2. Manufacturers are advised to provide instructions on its intended use. 3. Restaurants and food businesses should use melamine-ware of suitable quality to serve food according to the product specifications.
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