Most lunch boxes, water bottles unfit to store food for children

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Most lunch boxes and water bottles available in the local market are not suitable for children to store their food in, Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union Chairman Upul Rohana said.   

He told the Daily Mirror that many of these products contain Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and metal products.   
Due to the widespread use of single-use plastic products in the local market, Rohana urged the public to purchase and use plastic items marked with the number 5 or the glass-and-fork symbol, which indicate that the material is safe for food use.   

The number 5 on plastic signifies that it is made of polypropylene (PP), while the glass-and-fork symbol confirms that the material is food-safe, he said.   

“Plastic marked with the number 5 is strong, durable, versatile and capable of withstanding higher temperatures. It is often used in reusable containers. Polypropylene can be recycled into items such as plastic lumber, bins and brooms, although it is not as widely accepted as other plastics. The glass-and-fork symbol indicates that the material is safe for food contact, making it suitable for food and water containers as well as packaging materials,” Rohana explained.   

He further said that most water bottles available in the local market and at roadside stalls are made from lower-grade plastics, which pose health risks.   

“Studies conducted by international agencies have reported that exposure to such plastics can lead to hormonal imbalances, female infertility, impotence, reproductive system issues, low birth weight, and even cancer, “ he said.   

Therefore, Upul Rohana urged the public to use plastic products that are exclusively marked with the number 5.