Disposable wooden chopsticks in Singapore safe to use

SINGAPORE: A test on disposable chopsticks sold here shows that they are generally safe for use and do not contain excessive amounts of sulphur dioxide residue, said the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).

Sulphur dioxide is often used as a bleaching agent and to prevent the growth of mould and pests in disposable wooden or bamboo chopsticks.

Excessive sulphur dioxide can harm the human respiratory sys- tem, Case said in a statement yesterday.

The test on 20 samples of disposable chopsticks showed less than 400mg/kg of sulphur dioxide in all samples.

A range of between 7mg/kg and 364mg/kg was detected.

There is no specific standard regulating the amount of sulphur dioxide residue in disposable chopsticks in Singapore, said Case, but it noted that the regulatory authorities in China and Taiwan limit the amount to 600mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively.

It added that the chopsticks tested were from department stores, supermarkets and stores in the heartland areas.

Chopsticks provided for takeaways from eateries were excluded “as a form of control and also because of traceability issues”.

While Case said disposable chopsticks here were generally safe for use based on the test results, it advised consumers to avoid using chopsticks that appeared too white.

“As sulphur dioxide is used as a bleaching agent, disposable chopsticks that appear too white are likely to have been bleached before, thus potentially containing sulphur dioxide,” said Case.

It added that the public should also avoid using disposable chopsticks that give off a pungent smell as this may indicate chemical use, and that the chopsticks are meant for single-use only. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network

As sulphur dioxide is used as a bleaching agent, disposable chopsticks that appear too white are likely to have been bleached before. Consumers Association of Singapore