1 October 2007

PENANG: They may look good on the dining table, but the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has warned the public against using melamine tableware.�

CAP president S. M. Mohamed Idris said studies conducted abroad revealed that melamine tableware contained substances that were hazardous to health.

�Many are not aware that melamine melts when exposed to high temperatures, causing parts of the substance to enter our body along with the food.�

�Regular ingestion of melamine can lead to cancer, skin allergies and blindness,� he said at a press conference here.�

Melamine, also known as thermo set plastic, is made of urea, an organic compound, and formaldehyde, a chemical widely used to manufacture household products.�

Mohamed Idris said melamine tableware was popular and commonly used to serve hot food in households, restaurants and food stalls.�

�We are calling on consumers to refrain from using melamine tableware and use safer tableware made from glass or ceramic,� he said.�

He added that CAP was also urging the government to consider banning the use of melamine in tableware production.