Bamboo tableware, often touted as a healthy and sustainable alternative to plastic, may actually pose risks to consumer health, according to new research. A study conducted by scientists at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague (UCT Prague) revealed that these products can leach potentially harmful chemicals like melamine into food. The findings were published in the journal Food Control.
While marketed as natural and safe, many bamboo dishes are not entirely made from bamboo. Instead, they often combine bamboo fibers with plastic resin containing melamine-formaldehyde. This mixture raises concerns because the bamboo can accelerate the breakdown of the resin, potentially leading to increased leaching of harmful substances into our food.
The UCT Prague team analyzed 33 bio-based dishes purchased from markets in three countries: the Czech Republic, the UK, and China. They found that melamine was present in a worrying 32% of these items, almost exclusively those containing bamboo. Melamine migration tests simulating real-world use showed six bamboo-based products exceeded legal limits for melamine leaching into food simulants—levels set by the European Union (EU). Notably, melamine was detected migrating into common beverages like hot lemon tea and orange juice, indicating a direct pathway for consumer exposure.
Misleading Labels and Regulatory Loopholes
“Our findings are a major warning to consumers who believe they’re making healthier choices by opting for bio-based tableware,” stated Professor Jana Hajslova, the study’s lead researcher from UCT Prague’s Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition. “The ‘natural’ label can be very deceptive. Many products labeled as 100% bamboo or biodegradable are actually largely composed of plastic resin with bamboo filler.”
While the EU banned bamboo as an additive in plastic food contact materials in 2021 due to these safety concerns, the study indicates that these items remain on sale. This highlights not only a regulatory gap but also deceptive marketing practices employed by some manufacturers.
Beyond Melamine: Other Potential Risks
The study uncovered other contaminants beyond melamine. Pesticides were detected in several bio-based dishes made from cereals, while bamboo products primarily contained disinfectant residues.
This research underscores the urgent need for stricter market surveillance and increased consumer awareness. Choosing “eco-friendly” tableware based solely on marketing claims can lead to unintended health risks. Consumers should be more discerning and look beyond labels to understand the true composition of these products before making purchasing decisions.
