Danish Consumer Council Think Chemicals (DCCTC) reported on March 19, 2022 that five out of eight tested melamine plastic children’s cups released melamine (CAS 108-78-1) at levels higher than the legal limit of 2.5 mg/kg. Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) also migrated from all eight tested cups but at levels below the legal limit of 15 mg/kg. The legal migration limits technically apply to products when they are new (when migration potential is often expected to be highest), but the scientists in this study first washed the cups in the dishwasher 20 times before filling them with a hot drink to test chemical migration in order reflect a period of normal use.
Melamine has been linked with impacts on neurological functions, behavior, reproduction, and growth (FPF reported). In December 2020, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classified melamine as a category 2 carcinogen, meaning it is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” due to “sufficient evidence in animals but not enough for definitive decision in humans” (FPF reported). Melamine is sometimes mixed with bamboo or other plant-based powders to produce plastic food contact materials (FCM). However, according to the EU’s 10/2011 regulation on plastic FCMs, these plant-based additives are not approved for use. The EU therefore launched an Enforcement Action Plan on plastic FCMs made with plant-based powder additives (FPF reported), but enforcement in online retail has been reported as an especially difficult challenge (FPF reported).
DCCTC acknowledged that “melamine cups and plates do not break as easily as glass and porcelain and are available with lots of different colorful, child-friendly motifs.” But the durability of the product comes with a “risk of migration of unwanted chemicals… Especially if it is used for hot meals and… when the melamine gets worn.” They give five recommendations to lower the risk of chemical migration from tableware:
- Use glass, porcelain, or stainless steel (FPF reported)
- “If you want to use melamine during the period when your child is most likely to throw the dishes on the floor, avoid using it for hot food and drinks.”
- Never microwave melamine (or any plastic, FPF reported)
- Do not use worn out melamine containers for food
- Never leave melamine utensils in the saucepan when cooking
Read more
Stine Müller (March 19, 2022). “Melamine cups: Migration of unwanted chemicals.” Danish Consumer Council
