Are disposable food containers safe for hot food?

SINGAPORE - We continue the series in which we feature answers to questions sent in by the public, on a wide variety of topics, in Stomp's Ask Libby section.

Ask Libby is a collaboration between Stomp and Public Libraries Singapore, whose librarians research and provide answers to a diverse range of questions.

Send your questions to stomp@stomp.com.sg.

Here is this week's question: Are disposable food containers safe for hot food?

Although the plastics used to make food packaging may contain carcinogenic substances that can get into food, especially at high temperatures, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority has stringent measures in place to ensure that the use of such packaging here does not have adverse health effects.

Styrene, which can enter our food or drinks, is used in disposable foam cups and plates, and can become carcinogenic when consumed in large quantities.

Fortunately, the amount of the substance entering our food is usually small and does not pose a health risk.

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