Is food stored in foam boxes harmful?

Using foam boxes to store food is a common method used by many restaurants. The advantage of this method is that it is easy to use, quick, convenient, cheap, and customers only use it once and then throw it away. However, many people question whether the food contained in this type of box is really safe?

In fact, the foam boxes currently circulating mainly on the market are made from polystyrene, super light weight, composed of plastic, this substance is quite safe for human health.

However, foam boxes still pose a health risk if contaminated with lead or cadmium from impure production materials. On the other hand, improper use of foam boxes during the process of containing and preserving food can also create toxic substances.

To ensure safety, people should only use boxes of clear origin, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations as recommended by the manufacturer. Boxes made from polystyrene plastic are only used to contain and preserve food at temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius.

Do not use foam boxes to store and store food for long periods of time, it should only be used once. Do not use foam boxes to contain hot foods and drinks; foods high in fat, cooking oil, boiling water, sour foods (pickles, salads mixed with vinegar, lemon juice, lemon tea…). Do not use a microwave to heat food stored in foam boxes.

In principle, plastic utensils are only used to store cold food, but many people use it to store hot food, which is a big no-no. When storing hot items, the more monostyrene (a toxic substance) in the plastic is released, causing harm to health. Not only at high temperatures, this type of plastic when exposed to grease, salt, acid… will cause toxins harmful to humans.

People should prioritize using cages and containers made from safer materials to store food.