Disposable plates made of foam and paper safer than plastic ones
DOHA: Eateries in Qatar are not allowed to serve hot food in disposable plastic plates for reasons of health, a senior official from the Qatar General Organisation for Standards and Metrology has said.
Dr Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari, General Manager of the Organisation, said that according to the standards set by the body, disposable plastic glasses and plates can be used only for serving cold drinks as well as cooked or raw food that is not hot.
"It has been scientifically proven that plastic plates are not good for packing or serving hot food. Restaurants in Qatar have already been instructed not to serve hot drinks or dishes in plastic plates and glasses. People can lodge a complaint with the municipal authorities if they find any outlet violating this rule," said Al Kuwari.
The official said disposable plates made of foam and paper are safer than plastic and aluminium plates, particularly for serving hot food.
Disposable plates and glasses are widely used in Qatar, not only by restaurants but also by companies, organisations and families, during parties and public gatherings. Many people, however, tend to ignore the health aspect of this.
Several restaurants The Peninsula contacted yesterday claimed they were using only paper or foam glasses to serve tea, coffee and other hot drinks. It was, however, found that many eateries are still using plastic plates for packing hot food for their takeaway customers.
"We are using plastic and aluminium plates because they are cheaper compared to the paper and foam plates. But we don't serve food in such plates when it is too hot," an official of a restaurant told The Peninsula.
A wholesaler told The Peninsula yesterday that there was more demand for plastic and aluminium plates due to the low prices.
"We have lots of orders from restaurants, companies and even families. Plastic and aluminium plates are more in demand compared the foam and paper plates. As for glasses, many customers now prefer paper or foam products though they are more expensive," he said.
He added that demand for the products goes up during festivals. "We had good sales during Eid Al Adha and we expect the demand to pick up ahead of Christmas," he said
© The Peninsula 2008
