Disposable bamboo chopsticks safe to use - Health Ministry

Consumers do not have to worry about the level of sulphur dioxide in disposable bamboo chopsticks following reports of high toxicity content in the tool made in China, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said the Health Ministry found the content of sulphur dioxide in bamboo chopsticks was low, at 22 parts per million (ppm) compared to the level set by the Food Sanitation Standards, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Taiwan, that is not to exceed 500 ppm.

"The ministry conducts regular enforcement and monitoring on issues related to food safety to ensure the health of the people is always guaranteed," he said in a statement today.

There have been concerns among the public following a report entitled "Cheap chopsticks may be toxic, expert says" on the website usa.chinadaily.com.cn dated March 19, 2013, which claimed there was high content of sulphur dioxide in disposable bamboo chopsticks made in China.

According to the report, the sulphur dioxide is believed to be used as a bleaching agent, as well as to prevent fungus attacks during the manufacture of bamboo chopsticks.

Dr Noor Hisham said according to the Food Regulations 1985, sulphur dioxide is classified as a permitted preservative in certain foods, and at certain levels.

"Sulphur dioxide is not harmful to humans when used in permissible concentration. However, it can cause tiredness to people who are sensitive to the substance when inhaled or ingested," he said.

He said if consumers were weary about the safety-levels of food appliances available in the local market, they can report to the ministry through the district health office, or the nearest state health department office, or through the ministry's website at moh.spab.gov.my, or the Food Safety and Quality Division's Facebook page www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.