Cancer-causing substances three times over limit prompt fear in Sichuan during Spring Festival

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Cancer-causing substances three times over limit prompt fear in Sichuan during Spring Festival

A report found some plastic cups have cancer-causing substances exceeding safety limits by three times, raising public concern.

Keywords: ['Product safety', 'Food health']

"Mom, could you hand me one of those biodegradable cups made from rice husks?"

"Sure, eco-friendly and healthy, use it with confidence!"

Wait a minute! Don't rush to pour the water yet!

The fancy disposable cups your family stocked up for the New Year might just be playing a game of "Werewolf" with you!

The first pitfall: false biodegradability, real deception.

The Shanghai Consumer Protection Commission recently made a significant move—they sent 40 types of disposable cups to the laboratory for testing, and the first finding was simply shocking!

Many cups that claim to be made from "rice husk materials," "naturally biodegradable," and "returning to nature" are actually not biodegradable at all!

In a trial involving a "starch-based + PP" cup, the experiment lasted for over 20 days in composting, and the cup remained intact without any signs of degradation.

The moment of revelation has arrived: these so-called "biodegradable" cups do contain environmentally friendly materials like cassava, corn starch, and rice husks. However! In order to save costs, manufacturers have mixed in non-biodegradable polypropylene (PP plastic)!

In simple terms, it's like putting a sheep's head on display to sell dog meat; they claim it's biodegradable, but in reality, it's just an ordinary plastic cup!

Even some merchants selling cups have privately revealed that they themselves are unsure whether these so-called "biodegradable" items actually decompose.

The second pitfall: Both cups crossed the safety red line.

In addition to focusing on whether disposable cups are biodegradable, safety cannot be overlooked!

"Assassin No. 1": Huilin Brand Disposable Kung Fu Tea Cup

This cup has excessive levels of "3-chloro-1,2-propanediol" by three times the standard! The name is a mouthful, but you need to remember its "identity"—the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, classifies it as a Group 2B carcinogen. "3-chloro-1,2-propanediol" poses harms such as disrupting male hormone activity, damaging the nervous system, and impairing immune function.

- Understand the classification of carcinogens! It's better to be prepared with solid knowledge.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, categorizes carcinogens into four groups based on their relationship to cancer.

"Assassin No. 2": Yingjie brand paper cups without plastic.

This cup has been found to have an excessive level of total fluoride. What does exceeding fluoride limits mean? It means that the cup contains fluorides that are never degradable in the environment! They can seep into the soil and water, eventually entering the food chain and returning to settle in your body.

Why is this happening? One word: money!

The expert pointed out succinctly: the root cause is that the company is desperately trying to save money!

The current pace of updating raw materials is rapid, standards are lagging behind, and there are blind spots in regulation. Some unscrupulous manufacturers take advantage of this situation by using cheap, substandard materials, profiting under the guise of "environmental protection," while consumers end up paying the price for their health.

The comment section has become a mess: "I just stocked up on a box of rice husk cups, and now I don't know whether to cry or laugh." "Every year I use them, and every year I fall for it. Please recommend a reliable brand."

When buying disposable cups, keep these three points in mind: 1. Material: Choose cups made from the right material for your needs, whether it's plastic, paper, or biodegradable options. 2. Size: Consider the size of the cups based on the beverages you will be serving. 3. Quantity: Buy in bulk to save costs and ensure you have enough for your needs.

- Check the appearance and labeling.

Disposable tableware (including plastic and paper materials) falls under the management scope of production licenses. When purchasing, consumers should carefully check the packaging for information such as the QS mark, applicable temperature, and expiration date. It is advisable to choose disposable tableware that has an even color, smooth surface, and no decorative patterns.

- Avoid purchasing products that are too soft.

Paper or plastic cups that are not rigid enough are very soft when squeezed, and their load-bearing capacity often falls below standards. When water or beverages are poured in, they can severely deform when lifted, and some may even be impossible to hold. If they contain boiling water, they can easily cause burns.

- Pay attention to differentiating between material and usage.

The bottom of plastic cups usually has a triangular symbol, which represents the material of the cup and its usage conditions. In the market, disposable plastic cups are generally made from two types of materials: PP (polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene). Among these, PP is safe and non-toxic, capable of withstanding temperatures around 130°C, and can normally hold boiling water or hot beverages. PS, on the other hand, is typically used for holding cold drinks or warm beverages.

Quickly share this "Pitfall Guide" with family and friends! When buying cups for the New Year, don't let your health pay the price for "fake environmental protection"!