Chinese plastic straws are everywhere

(Baonghean.vn) -In recent days, information that Chinese plastic straws containing substances that cause infertility and cancer have been recalled by Chinese authorities has caused confusion among consumers. Through a survey at some markets in Vinh City, many types of plastic straws originating from China are still openly sold at stalls.

Ms. Huong - Owner of a stall at Vinh market said: Currently, on the market, there are many types of plastic straws serving stalls selling soft drinks, smoothies, pearl milk tea, etc. originating from China. Beverage stall owners often buy this type of straw because of its cheap price (half the price of Vietnamese products), diverse designs, and beautiful colors.



Chinese plastic straws are sold everywhere at Vinh market.

Walking around Vinh market, we saw many types of straws originating from China being sold everywhere, mixed with domestically produced goods. The straws come in different sizes, big and small, in all kinds of colors, priced from only 20,000 - 35,000 VND/bag and are often bought by beverage, sugarcane juice, and bubble tea shop owners to serve customers. Most of these straws do not have a clear origin or have been quality tested. There are even many items with labels printed in Chinese characters but are still chosen by customers.

Ms. Ha - Owner of a coffee shop in Ha Huy Tap ward quickly picked up several bags of colorful straws and said: I don't know where this type of straw comes from, I buy it when people sell it. But I find this type of straw (Chinese straws) cheaper and more beautiful in color than the other types of straws (she pointed to a bag of straws with a domestically produced label).



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

Faced with the situation of plastic straws of unknown origin or those originating from China being sold in abundance on the market, which pose a risk of causing illness to consumers, up to now, the authorities such as the market management force have not taken any action to handle these items in the markets. When asked, the representative of the Market Management Department evaded, saying: "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, liver, cause early puberty in children, even infertility or cancer because they often release toxins and seep into food and drinks if they come into contact with hot food and drinks. In addition, many domestic manufacturing facilities are currently producing straws from untreated plastic waste, which poses many potential health risks. The unsanitary processing of old raw materials will bring dangerous pathogens into handmade products.

Vo Huyen