Woman claims stall steaming food in plastic 'can cause cancer', SFA says no health risk
A concerned diner has flagged a food stall at Compass One for steaming food items wrapped in plastic.
Stomper Jeff alerted Stomp to a post by Facebook user Isabelle Ann Leong, who called out Tiong Bahru Jian Bo Shui Kueh out for allegedly steaming food in plastic packaging.
In the post, Isabelle claims that the plastic containers "do not mix" with hot steamers, saying that "they can cause cancer".
Upon reading the Facebook post, Jeff decided to visit the stall on June 30.
"Isn't it poisonous to cook food in plastic wrappers, or steam food in plastic containers?" Jeff asked. "I heard from friends that this is very common across all their outlets, though I've only seen it at the Compass One one."
The Stomper reported the incident to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
On July 18, Jeff shared an update with Stomp: "I was at Compass One yesterday and decided to check on the stall again. Sadly, the situation is the same - there were no changes.
"I've already informed my family and friends not to patronise the company's outlets in Singapore, and to be wary of how similar stalls in shopping malls, food courts and kopitiams steam their food products."
In response to a query, SFA told Stomp: "While chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic packaging or containers can migrate into foods during use, proper usage of the plastics will have insignificant or very low levels of chemical migration, which does not pose any health risk to consumers even after long-term use.
"It is important that food establishments as well as consumers use plastic packaging for its intended use, as advised by manufacturers.
"The SFA has reminded the operator of Tiong Bahru Jian Bo Shui Kueh food shop - located at Compass One - to ensure that the plastic packaging and containers are used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.
"Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.
"Food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained."
Those with concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report to SFA at their website.
