3 Things To Remember When Using Disposable Food Containers
Disposable containers are among the most affordable and convenient food packaging and storage solutions in the world. As such, it comes as no surprise that disposable boxes for food are in high demand, especially among businesses in the food industry. One of the most obvious benefits of using disposable containers is that it makes clean-up much easier since you do not have to wash plates and utensils over and over again.
Indeed, many businesses choose to invest in disposable food containers for convenience and profit-maximising reasons. However, if you are an owner of a food and beverage (F&B) business, there are some things you need to learn about the use of disposable containers for your food products to ensure their quality and safety. Read on to find out 3 of the most important things you need to remember when utilising disposable food containers.
1. The safest type of plastic container depends on the intended use
There are different kinds of disposable plastic containers out there, including polyethene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethene (LDPE), high-density polyethene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). Determining which type of plastic container is the safest largely depends on what the container is being used for, such as to store hot food or food items to be microwaved.
As much as possible, you should choose the right plastic containers for your intended use to avoid compromising the quality and safety of your food products. If your plastic container will be consistently heated, you should make use of a heat-resistant plastic container that is suitable for microwaving, such as PP. On the other hand, there are also plastic containers that are specifically designed to be placed inside the fridge or freezer, such as HDPE.
2. Disposable food containers are best for one-time use only
As their name implies, disposable food containers are recommended for single use. These containers are usually safe to use for their immediate intended purpose but not beyond what they are created for. If there is ever a need for you to make use of disposable plastics again, then it is necessary for you to adopt a “like-for-like” approach. This means that you should only refill a plastic bottle for water with water rather than with coffee or other beverages.
Furthermore, always pay attention to hints of discolouration. Any discolouration in a specific area could mean that the container was overheated. After repeated use, the texture of a takeaway container could change and become either softer or harder. These are indications that the container has already gone beyond the thresholds of the plastic formulations and is, therefore, no longer safe to be used again.
3. The use of food containers is regulated by law
All food-contact products, including small disposable containers and water bottles, which are imported, used, or sold in Singapore need to comply with the Sale of Food Act. The principal purpose of this law is basically to ensure that all foods for sale in the country are safe and suitable for human consumption. It is the government’s way of promoting public health and enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions by guaranteeing the provision of accurate information relating to food and its sale.
For example, under the Sale of Food Act, all food containers that have the capability to impact arsenic, antimony, cadmium, lead, or any other toxic substance to any food prepared, cooked, or stored in it are prohibited. Therefore, if you own a food business that makes use of food containers, it is important for you to be knowledgeable about the Sale of Food Act and all the other relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the sale of food in the country to avoid incurring penalties or even suffering from business closure.
Conclusion
Takeaways have served as a lifeline for many F&B businesses in Singapore, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when dining out was not allowed. With this, there is no doubt that the demand for disposable food containers continues to rise to this day.
Besides being convenient, disposable containers provide a cheap food packaging and storage solution for businesses that are still struggling to stay financially afloat following the global health crisis. However, as a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the responsible use of disposable containers.
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