A recent inspection by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) uncovered the worryingly poor quality of disposable dishware in China with nearly 50 percent found to be sub-standard. The result revealed that the quality of plastic disposable boxes, bowls and trays used in instant food was most unsatisfactory.

The disposable boxes, bowls and trays surveyed were found to be constituted of plastic scraps with chemical additives. When heated, these can often release pathogenic substances, which if ingested, could have impacts ranging from acute food poisoning to causing cancer.

GAQSIQ stats have also shown the low-quality used in the foodstuff packaging industry. Among the 3,700 enterprises involved in the industry, 1,100 of them have less than 10 employees. Due to this lack of staff and with shabby working conditions, their product quality suffers and constitutes a public health risk.

Last September, GAQSIQ initiated a new market admittance system for plastic package, containers and tools intended for food use. Starting from August, the quality watchdog will mete out tough punishment to any enterprise found without a production license. Enterprises currently applying for one should clearly label their products as "trial products" pending official acceptance. These should also be submitted to quality checks before they enter the market. Those who have not filed an application must cease all production at once.

Evidence that the government will force enterprises to adhere to the highest standards can be seen in Guangdong Province where out of 77 companies who have applied for a production license, only one had been granted with the license by June 18 while 11 more had passed spot inspections.

According to the Guangdong Province Quality and Technical Supervision, the application process includes a preliminary examination of submitted materials, spot inspection and sampling inspection, lasting 60 working days in total.

In addition to plastic dishware, GAQSIQ will also launch market admittance systems for food-stuff packaging of other materials, such as metal, paper and porcelain.

(China.org.cn by Huang Shan, June 20, 2007)