LCQ2: Safety risks of non-plastic disposable tableware
******************************************************
Question:
Studies have pointed out that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of highly persistent synthetic chemicals which are difficult to decompose, and chronic exposure may increase health risks such as cancer and endocrine disruption. Other studies have found that PFAS are widely present in non-plastic tableware alternatives (alternatives) such as paper straws, leading to PFAS intake by users through such alternatives. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it is learnt that paper straws are widely used in local eateries at present, whether the Centre for Food Safety or relevant departments have, since the implementation of the first phase regulation on disposable plastic products on April 22, 2024, conducted sample tests and safety risk assessments on paper and bamboo disposable straws and tableware supplied in Hong Kong for harmful chemical substances (particularly PFAS); whether the authorities have assessed the chemical leaching rates and potential health risks of paper tableware soaked in acidic and high-temperature environments for prolonged periods; if so, of the detailed assessment outcome; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as there are views that the Mainland, Europe and the United States have begun to tighten or prohibit the use of fluorine-containing grease-proofing agents in food packaging, while the Green Tableware Platform currently set up by the Environmental Protection Department does not mandatorily require suppliers to submit testing reports on PFAS, which may pose food safety risks in the alternatives; whether the authorities have proactively conducted random sample tests on alternatives available on the market to assess the potential risks of PFAS exposure by Hong Kong citizens through takeaway meals; of the measures to be taken by the authorities in the future to support the catering industry in procuring safer green tableware; and
(3) given that Hong Kong currently includes biodegradable plastics under regulation, and it is learnt that the Mainland has widely used biodegradable plastics that can decompose in the natural environment (e.g. PHA) in disposable tableware including straws, whether the authorities will keep abreast of the times to review and adjust the current regulation on the use of biodegradable plastics, so as to protect public health while taking into account environmental benefits and life experience?
Reply:
President,
The core reason for regulating disposable plastic tableware lies in the profound harm that plastic waste causes to the environment and human health, as well as the imminent need for waste reduction at source. Plastic is difficult to decompose and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. When plastic waste breaks down, it forms microplastics. If these microplastics enter the ocean, they can be ingested by marine organisms and enter the food chain, posing a threat to human and animal health. Therefore, reducing the use of disposable plastic products has become an international consensus.
Regulating disposable plastic tableware is a key component of the Government's "plastic-free" strategy, aiming to reduce its use at source through legislation. The Environmental Protection Department has clearly stated that non-plastic tableware should only be used when unavoidable, with the goal of encouraging the public to bring their own reusable tableware.
Since the regulation took effect on April 22, 2024, some chain restaurants reported that over 80 per cent of customers do not require cutlery when ordering takeaway. It is estimated that this can reduce the disposal of more than 60 million sets of disposable cutlery in landfills every year.
In response to the question raised by the Hon Steven Ho, the reply is as follows:
(1) and (2) Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemically stable synthetic substances. Due to their water-resistant, oil-resistant and low-friction properties, they are widely used as surface coatings for various products, such as clothes, protective films for paper, food packaging materials, cooking utensils and various plastic products.
An overseas university research team previously conducted an analysis of PFAS level in straws made from different materials. The study found that PFAS was detected in paper, bamboo, plastic and glass straws available on the market. However, data from the study report showed that under normal conditions of use, the total amount of chemicals released by these utensils is extremely low, far below the threshold for health risks, and poses no threat to public health.
The Green Tableware Platform (the Platform) provides the catering industry with information on alternatives that meet the requirements for non-plastic materials, assisting the industry in transiting to more environmentally-friendly non-plastic tableware as soon as possible. Under the Platform's current mechanism, suppliers are required to submit material testing reports or certificates issued by accredited laboratories or inspection bodies for their registered products to prove that the products comply with non-plastic material requirements. Since 2024, the Platform Secretariat (i.e. Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency) has proactively invited suppliers to provide additional proof regarding their products' performance and quality (including PFAS).
(3) The current policy of regulating disposable plastic tableware in Hong Kong aims to reduce waste at source and prevent plastic waste from entering the natural environment and marine ecosystem. Although some biodegradable plastics (such as polyhydroxyalkanoate, PHA) can degrade under specific conditions or in natural environments, there is currently insufficient evidence to show that these plastic products can fully degrade under the actual anaerobic conditions of landfills. Even if some products can degrade in the marine environment, the process generally takes several months or even years, during which they can still pose a threat to marine life. Furthermore, the production processes of these products may involve various chemical additives.
The Government will remain open-minded, closely monitoring the latest international developments in scientific research, evolving standards, and practical application outcomes regarding various types of biodegradable plastics, including PHA, and assessing their overall impact on health and the environment. While balancing public health, environmental benefits, and user experience, the Government will review and adjust relevant regulatory strategies as necessary.
Ends/Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:13
Issued at HKT 11:13
NNNN