Plastic containers for takeaway food safe when used as intended

We refer to the letter by Zhang Guo Cheng, “Bringing your own containers for takeaway is healthier (自带容器打包食物更健康)” (12 June).

Food contact articles including takeaway plastic packaging in Singapore are regulated to ensure consumer safety. Food contact articles that are imported, used, or sold in Singapore should not release harmful substances into food. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) tests food contact articles, including plastic food containers, regularly to ensure that harmful substances do not migrate into food.

Food handlers, including hawkers are taught the proper use of plastic food containers in the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1. This is a course which SFA requires all food handlers to attend and pass.

Takeaway plastic food containers are specifically designed for one-time use and should therefore not be reused for storing or reheating food. It is important that food establishments as well as consumers use plastic packaging for its intended use as advised by manufacturers.

More information on the safe use of plastic food packaging can be found on SFA’s website: Safe Use of Plastic Food Packaging; SFA | FAQs

Joanne Chan Sheot Harn (Associate Professor) 陈淑娴 (副教授)
Centre Director中心署长
National Centre for Food Science国家食品科学中心
Singapore Food Agency新加坡食品局

Forum reply - 24 June 2025