Chinese plastic straws are flooding the market.

(Baonghean.vn) -In recent days, news that plastic straws from China contain substances that cause infertility and cancer, and that these straws have been recalled by Chinese authorities, has caused widespread concern among consumers. Surveys conducted at several markets in Vinh City revealed that many types of plastic straws originating from China are still being openly sold at stalls.

Ms. Huong, the owner of a stall at Vinh Market, said: "Currently, the market offers many types of plastic straws for stalls selling soft drinks, smoothies, bubble tea, etc., all originating from China. Beverage stall owners often buy these straws because they are cheap (half the price of Vietnamese-made ones), come in a variety of designs, and have attractive colors."



Plastic straws from China are widely available at Vinh market.

Walking around Vinh market, we saw many types of straws of Chinese origin being sold everywhere, mixed in with domestically produced goods. These straws come in various sizes and colors, priced from only 20,000 to 35,000 VND per bag, and are often purchased by owners of beverage, sugarcane juice, and bubble tea shops to serve customers. Most of these straws lack clear origin information or quality control. Even many items with labels printed in Chinese characters are still chosen by customers.

Ms. Ha, the owner of a coffee shop in Ha Huy Tap ward, quickly picked out several bags of colorful straws and said: "I don't know where these straws come from; I buy them because they're being sold. But I find these straws (Chinese straws) cheaper and more colorful than the others" (she pointed to a bag of straws with a domestically produced label).



Many plastic straws of unknown origin are used by beverage stall owners.

Despite the widespread sale of plastic straws of unknown origin or those originating from China, posing a health risk to consumers, relevant authorities such as market management forces have yet to take any action to address these products in markets. Furthermore, when questioned, representatives from the Market Management Department evaded the issue, claiming: "That is the responsibility of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department" (?!).

According to Mr. Dao Trong Dung, Head of the Nghe An Food Safety and Hygiene Department, substandard straws can harm the digestive system and liver, cause premature puberty in children, and even lead to infertility or cancer because they often release toxins that leach into hot food and drinks. Furthermore, many domestic manufacturers produce straws from recycled plastic waste without proper processing, posing numerous health risks. The inadequate processing of old materials introduces dangerous pathogens into handcrafted products.

Vo Huyen