DOHA - Qatar has banned the import of plates, dishes and food containers made of hardened, compressed plastic in which a chemical called melamine is used as a colouring agent.
Laboratory tests have shown that when exposed even to slight heat, these plastic utensils release toxic fumes which can cause cancer.
"We have conducted extensive tests in our laboratories and found that these plastic utensils are very dangerous for use. They release toxic fumes when exposed even to mild heat," Dr Mohamed Saif Al Kuwari, the Director of the Qatar Organization for Standards and Metrology, told The Peninsula yesterday.
Directives have been issued to the customs authorities not to allow melamine-containing plastic plates, dishes and other utensils into the country, said Al Kuwari.
All points of entry have been alerted, he added.
The organization, he said, was actively coordinating with the civic authorities to ensure the stocks already available in the market are withdrawn.
"It's important to seize the existing stocks," Al Kuwari said, adding: "We urge those using these materials to immediately discard them for their own safety."
These materials are not microwave-friendly and laboratory tests have shown that even if slightly warm food is placed in these plates or dishes, they release toxic fumes.
Aside from finding use as a colouring agent in plastic materials, melamine is also used to make fertilizers. Another important use of this organic base material is in the manufacture of fire retardants.
Al Kuwari said the organization is making sure Qatar is free on items of common or specific use which pose risks to public health.
© The Peninsula 2008
