Are Disposable Chopsticks Safe?
Back in October 2005, the Taiwanese Consumer Foundation tested and found 10 of the 37 samples of disposable chopsticks had high amounts of sulfur (sulphur) dioxide, though they were still within a regulated limit.
Sulfur dioxide is a chemical used to bleach the wooden chopsticks to make them less prone to mold. The samples were obtained from various locations such as resturants and convenience stores where single-use chopsticks were readily distributed to customers.
The discovery did not end there as lead was also detected on the paint on the plastic packaging of some chopsticks reaching levels above the regulated 100ppm.
How Harmful Are These Substances?
- SULFUR DIOXIDE
This colorless and water-soluble chemical is permitted by the U.S Food Drug Administration (FDA) to bleach and preserve foods, fruits and vegetables. It is said that this chemical is converted in the body to sulfuride and discharged in the urine but some of it may combine with calcium and damage the bones. Excessive sulfur dioxide or sulfite-sensitive people can develop breathing difficulties, asthma, skin rashes, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. - LEAD
Lead in the body has adverse effects on blood circulation and nervous systems. It has also been linked to retardation and hyperactivity.
What Should You Do?
The Foundation has these recommendations :
- Do not buy or use chopsticks that are excessively pale, signalling over-bleaching.
- Put disposable chopsticks in hot water for a few seconds before use to dissolve the sulphur dioxide residues.
- Consume fruits and vegetables before using the chopsticks because the vitamin C found in these food sources can neutralize the sulfur doxide.
Just how much do we use disposable chopsticks?
- China is said to consume and discard 45 billion pairs of disposable chopsticks each year, or about 20 million grown trees. Exports about 15 billion pairs annually. Mass-produced and cheap disposable chopsticks are commonly made from fast-growing birch or polar trees.
- Japan is said to use about 24 billion pairs each year.
Subscribe to my RSS feed for regular updates.
