A draft decision by the Minister of Public Health prohibiting the use of polyethylene, newspapers or other types of paper to pack food items for human consumption was approved by the Cabinet yesterday.

The Ministerial decision had stipulated that all kinds of food for human consumption shall be in packages conforming to approved standards. The use of food and beverages’ cups, dishes or cutlery not conforming to the approved standards is also prohibited.

The National Food Control Joint Committee at the Supreme Council of Health had announced in April 2012 that bakeries and other outlets will only be allowed to use “food-grade” plastic with effect from June 1, 2012.

It was in July 2011 that the health authorities issued an order to stop the use of poor-grade plastic containers, having found that hot items cause chemical components in them to seep into food whose consumption may lead to health problems like cancer, birth defects, hormone changes, respiratory problems, gastric ulcers as well as eye and liver problems.

Restaurants serving tea, coffee and other hot beverages were asked to stop serving them in plastic, foam or cork cups.

The committee had also approved the use of food-grade plastic bag products which have high degree of safety or high heat resistance when in contact with hot food. The products of a number of local entities were approved.

The committee co-ordinated with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s laboratory by sending samples of the plastic products which carry compliance certificates to the approved standards to ensure their heat-resistance properties.

The committee had also co-ordinated with a locally-approved laboratory to provide such lab tests in order to speed up the procedures.