A recent inspection by the General Administration of Quality
Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) uncovered the
worryingly poor quality of disposable dishware in China with nearly
50 percent found to be sub-standard. The result revealed that the
quality of plastic disposable boxes, bowls and trays used in
instant food was most unsatisfactory.
The disposable boxes, bowls and trays surveyed were found to be
constituted of plastic scraps with chemical additives. When heated,
these can often release pathogenic substances, which if ingested,
could have impacts ranging from acute food poisoning to causing
cancer.
GAQSIQ stats have also shown the low-quality used in the
foodstuff packaging industry. Among the 3,700 enterprises involved
in the industry, 1,100 of them have less than 10 employees. Due to
this lack of staff and with shabby working conditions, their
product quality suffers and constitutes a public health risk.
Last September, GAQSIQ initiated a new market admittance system
for plastic package, containers and tools intended for food use.
Starting from August, the quality watchdog will mete out tough
punishment to any enterprise found without a production license.
Enterprises currently applying for one should clearly label their
products as "trial products" pending official acceptance. These
should also be submitted to quality checks before they enter the
market. Those who have not filed an application must cease all
production at once.
Evidence that the government will force enterprises to adhere to
the highest standards can be seen in Guangdong Province where out of 77 companies
who have applied for a production license, only one had been
granted with the license by June 18 while 11 more had passed spot
inspections.
According to the Guangdong Province Quality and Technical
Supervision, the application process includes a preliminary
examination of submitted materials, spot inspection and sampling
inspection, lasting 60 working days in total.
In addition to plastic dishware, GAQSIQ will also launch market
admittance systems for food-stuff packaging of other materials,
such as metal, paper and porcelain.
(China.org.cn by Huang Shan, June 20, 2007)