Are disposable food containers safe for hot food?
Styrofoam boxes, plastic bags and brown paper wrappers are commonly used as takeaway packages by hawkers. My question is, are they safe to use for hot substances? They are often used to contain things like soup or coffee.
Plastic materials used in food packaging may contain potentially carcinogenic substances that can get into the food, especially at high temperatures.
However, in Singapore, the Agri-Veterinary Agency (AVA) has stringent measures in place to ensure that the plastic packaging used in Singapore does not result in adverse health effects.
Plastic materials used to make food containers may contain potentially harmful substances that can enter food or liquid. For instance, styrene, which is used in disposable foam cups and plates, is carcinogenic when consumed in large quantities.
Fortunately, the amount of the substance entering the food is usually small and does not pose a health risk to consumers.
Adhering to guidelines on the safe use of plastic packaging can further reduce the potential health risks posed by such materials.
You can refer to AVA’s guidelines on the safe use of plastic packaging and containers here:
Plastics and conventional oven
Unless indicated otherwise, plastic packaging used for commercial packing of food is not suitable for use in conventional ovens. They may catch fire or melt and resulting in chemical migration into foods.
Reheat pre-cooked foods in a conventional oven only if they are sold in specially made "ovenable" packaging and oven reheating instructions are given by the manufacturer.
Plastics and microwave oven
Only use plastic containers that are labeled as microwave-safe for microwave cooking or reheating. Do not use the container in a microwave oven if you are in doubt or unable to find the manufacturer's instructions for microwave use.
Cold or freezer storage containers such as yoghurt, margarine and ice-cream tubs are not manufactured for reheating or cooking food in a microwave or conventional oven. They are not heat stable and chemicals from the plastic may migrate into the food during heating.
Plastic cling films
Do not use cling films in conventional ovens or with pots and pans on cooker hobs where the films may melt into the food.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the proper usage of the cling films.
Only use cling films designated as suitable for use in microwave oven.
When re-heating or cooking food in a microwave oven, ensure that the microwave-safe cling film does not touch the food. If the film touches the food, the film could get overly hot and possibly melt or may migrate chemicals into the food.
Freezing, defrosting and cooking fresh produce in commercial plastic packaging
It is safe to freeze meat directly in its original commercial plastic wrapping. For long storage, rewrap or over-wrap the meat tightly with moisture proof freezer bags to maintain the quality and texture of the meat.
Do not defrost or cook the meat in its original commercial packaging in a microwave oven, as the plastic packaging may not be microwave-safe.
Reusing plastic packaging and containers
Commercial plastic packaging that has been used for storing non-food items (e.g. detergents) should never be reused as food containers. They have not been tested safe for food storage and they may contain non-food residues that contaminate food.
Plastic packaging that are used for commercial packing of food and takeaway plastic food containers used in eating outlets are disposable items designed for single use and are not intended for repeated storage of food. They are safe for their immediate intended purpose but not beyond what they are designed for.
Only use those takeaway food containers that are labeled microwave-safe for reheating food in the microwave oven. They should not be reused for microwave heating.
Plastic packaging for microwaveable convenience meals are designed for one time usage with the type of food packed in it and should not be reused for storing or microwave heating of food.
Only use reusable plastic food containers (e.g., cups, plates, bowls, bottles and boxes used in household kitchens) for repeated storage of food. These containers have the sturdiness, thermal stability and other attributes needed for a reusable food container.
Reusable plastic food containers can be subjected to wear and tear after a period of use. They should be replaced when they have turned cloudy or discoloured or if cracks or heavy abrasions start to appear.
Safe use of polycarbonate baby bottles to reduce your baby's exposure to bisphenol-A
(a) Do not put boiling water in baby bottles, as hot water causes bisphenol-A to migrate out of the bottle at a higher rate.
(b) Boiled water should be allowed to cool to lukewarm in a non-polycarbonate container before transferring to baby bottles.
(c) Baby bottles can be sterilized according to instructions on infant formula labels and should be allowed to cool before placing infant formula into them.
(d) Parents who are concerned about using polycarbonate baby bottles can turn to other alternatives such as glass bottles.
The AVA website assures users that while “chemicals in plastic packaging or containers can migrate into foods during use…. the proper usage of the plastics will have insignificant or very low levels of chemical migration, which does not pose any health risk to consumers even after long-term use”.
Furthermore, the AVA stipulates that all food packaging imported for use in Singapore do not migrate any harmful substances to the food coming in contact with the packaging. They also conduct safety assessments to ensure that the plastic food packaging and containers available on the market are safe for their intended use.
However, in Singapore, the Agri-Veterinary Agency (AVA) has stringent measures in place to ensure that the plastic packaging used in Singapore does not result in adverse health effects.
Plastic materials used to make food containers may contain potentially harmful substances that can enter food or liquid. For instance, styrene, which is used in disposable foam cups and plates, is carcinogenic when consumed in large quantities.
Fortunately, the amount of the substance entering the food is usually small and does not pose a health risk to consumers.
Adhering to guidelines on the safe use of plastic packaging can further reduce the potential health risks posed by such materials.
You can refer to AVA’s guidelines on the safe use of plastic packaging and containers here:
Plastics and conventional oven
Unless indicated otherwise, plastic packaging used for commercial packing of food is not suitable for use in conventional ovens. They may catch fire or melt and resulting in chemical migration into foods.
Reheat pre-cooked foods in a conventional oven only if they are sold in specially made "ovenable" packaging and oven reheating instructions are given by the manufacturer.
Plastics and microwave oven
Only use plastic containers that are labeled as microwave-safe for microwave cooking or reheating. Do not use the container in a microwave oven if you are in doubt or unable to find the manufacturer's instructions for microwave use.
Cold or freezer storage containers such as yoghurt, margarine and ice-cream tubs are not manufactured for reheating or cooking food in a microwave or conventional oven. They are not heat stable and chemicals from the plastic may migrate into the food during heating.
Plastic cling films
Do not use cling films in conventional ovens or with pots and pans on cooker hobs where the films may melt into the food.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the proper usage of the cling films.
Only use cling films designated as suitable for use in microwave oven.
When re-heating or cooking food in a microwave oven, ensure that the microwave-safe cling film does not touch the food. If the film touches the food, the film could get overly hot and possibly melt or may migrate chemicals into the food.
Freezing, defrosting and cooking fresh produce in commercial plastic packaging
It is safe to freeze meat directly in its original commercial plastic wrapping. For long storage, rewrap or over-wrap the meat tightly with moisture proof freezer bags to maintain the quality and texture of the meat.
Do not defrost or cook the meat in its original commercial packaging in a microwave oven, as the plastic packaging may not be microwave-safe.
Reusing plastic packaging and containers
Commercial plastic packaging that has been used for storing non-food items (e.g. detergents) should never be reused as food containers. They have not been tested safe for food storage and they may contain non-food residues that contaminate food.
Plastic packaging that are used for commercial packing of food and takeaway plastic food containers used in eating outlets are disposable items designed for single use and are not intended for repeated storage of food. They are safe for their immediate intended purpose but not beyond what they are designed for.
Only use those takeaway food containers that are labeled microwave-safe for reheating food in the microwave oven. They should not be reused for microwave heating.
Plastic packaging for microwaveable convenience meals are designed for one time usage with the type of food packed in it and should not be reused for storing or microwave heating of food.
Only use reusable plastic food containers (e.g., cups, plates, bowls, bottles and boxes used in household kitchens) for repeated storage of food. These containers have the sturdiness, thermal stability and other attributes needed for a reusable food container.
Reusable plastic food containers can be subjected to wear and tear after a period of use. They should be replaced when they have turned cloudy or discoloured or if cracks or heavy abrasions start to appear.
Safe use of polycarbonate baby bottles to reduce your baby's exposure to bisphenol-A
(a) Do not put boiling water in baby bottles, as hot water causes bisphenol-A to migrate out of the bottle at a higher rate.
(b) Boiled water should be allowed to cool to lukewarm in a non-polycarbonate container before transferring to baby bottles.
(c) Baby bottles can be sterilized according to instructions on infant formula labels and should be allowed to cool before placing infant formula into them.
(d) Parents who are concerned about using polycarbonate baby bottles can turn to other alternatives such as glass bottles.
The AVA website assures users that while “chemicals in plastic packaging or containers can migrate into foods during use…. the proper usage of the plastics will have insignificant or very low levels of chemical migration, which does not pose any health risk to consumers even after long-term use”.
Furthermore, the AVA stipulates that all food packaging imported for use in Singapore do not migrate any harmful substances to the food coming in contact with the packaging. They also conduct safety assessments to ensure that the plastic food packaging and containers available on the market are safe for their intended use.
What can I do if a relative is refusing to pay me back after a loan?
A family member recently borrowed some money from me. Now that she is financially stable, she is refusing to pay me back. What should I do? Also, she says if I continue to ask her when she is going to pay me back, she will report my actions as loansharking. Is that a valid charge?
There are two parts to your question.
1) Will I be charged for loansharking if I try to recover money from my relative?
According to the following webpage by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) at http://www.spf.gov.sg/ahlong/index.htm, a person can be charged for loansharking only if he lends the money illegally or assists illegal moneylenders by the following acts: Harassing the debtor (e.g, locking the gates, vandalising the walls, sending hell notes etc); debt collection; buying SIM cards for loan sharks; providing transport for runners etc.
If you did not lend money illegally with the intention to profit from the interest, but had merely lent it as a concerned friend or relative, then it is unlikely that you could be charged for loansharking if you have not acted violently, harassed the debtor or mounted any threats of violence or destruction of property in the process of retrieving the loan.
2) What should you do to recover money that you have loaned to your relative?
If you have tried talking to her and that fails to work, you could talk to another family member whom she respects and is able to give her the right advice.
If this still fails, you might want to take legal action. It will be helpful if you have proof, such as IOUs, written notes or a record of internet transfer. If you have given the borrower a cheque, you can write to the bank for copies of the encashed cheque as evidence. If you have indisputable evidence, you can issue a writ of summons, and if the borrower does not make a respond to the court in 14 days, or pay up in 21 days, the lender can file a bankruptcy petition against the borrower. Courts will appoint an officer to distribute the bankrupt’s assets to the lenders.
For avenues to receive free legal advice regarding credit counselling, please see the links given at Credit Counselling Singapore at http://www.ccs.org.sg/link.php
Please note that the above general information given does not constitute legal advice. For specific advice, we suggest that you seek the help of legal professionals.
1) Will I be charged for loansharking if I try to recover money from my relative?
According to the following webpage by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) at http://www.spf.gov.sg/ahlong/index.htm, a person can be charged for loansharking only if he lends the money illegally or assists illegal moneylenders by the following acts: Harassing the debtor (e.g, locking the gates, vandalising the walls, sending hell notes etc); debt collection; buying SIM cards for loan sharks; providing transport for runners etc.
If you did not lend money illegally with the intention to profit from the interest, but had merely lent it as a concerned friend or relative, then it is unlikely that you could be charged for loansharking if you have not acted violently, harassed the debtor or mounted any threats of violence or destruction of property in the process of retrieving the loan.
2) What should you do to recover money that you have loaned to your relative?
If you have tried talking to her and that fails to work, you could talk to another family member whom she respects and is able to give her the right advice.
If this still fails, you might want to take legal action. It will be helpful if you have proof, such as IOUs, written notes or a record of internet transfer. If you have given the borrower a cheque, you can write to the bank for copies of the encashed cheque as evidence. If you have indisputable evidence, you can issue a writ of summons, and if the borrower does not make a respond to the court in 14 days, or pay up in 21 days, the lender can file a bankruptcy petition against the borrower. Courts will appoint an officer to distribute the bankrupt’s assets to the lenders.
For avenues to receive free legal advice regarding credit counselling, please see the links given at Credit Counselling Singapore at http://www.ccs.org.sg/link.php
Please note that the above general information given does not constitute legal advice. For specific advice, we suggest that you seek the help of legal professionals.
Is it illegal to use an unsecured WIFI without permission?
Is it a crime to use an unsecured WIFI network without the owner's permission?
Using an unsecured WIFI without the owner's permission is illegal.
Under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act (CHAPTER 50A) Section 6, the act of illegally tapping on a WIFI is described as 'Unauthorised use or interception of computer service'.
If found guilty, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.
The Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act is available via the Attorney- General's Chambers website.
Under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act (CHAPTER 50A) Section 6, the act of illegally tapping on a WIFI is described as 'Unauthorised use or interception of computer service'.
If found guilty, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.
The Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act is available via the Attorney- General's Chambers website.
Can we bring a harpoon gun on board a ferry to St John's Island?
Are we allowed to bring a harpoon gun on board a ferry to St John's Island, as it might pose a hazard to other passengers?
We have checked with an officer from Singapore Island Cruise, the company that provides daily ferry transport services St John’s Island, and was informed that for the safety of other passengers and security reasons, harpoon guns are not allowed on board the ferry.
The officer added that passengers will have to go through security screening when returning to the main Singapore Island.
Please contact Singapore Island Cruise at tel. no: 6534 9339 if you need more information.
Source:http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/index.html
The officer added that passengers will have to go through security screening when returning to the main Singapore Island.
Please contact Singapore Island Cruise at tel. no: 6534 9339 if you need more information.
Source:http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/index.html
Where can I dispose small amounts of chemical waste?
Where can less than 1 litre of toxic waste be disposed of?
The procedure and place for disposal of chemical wastes depends on the type of chemical waste.
For all types of chemical waste, whether they are toxic or not, you have to refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS), product safety data sheet (PSDS), or safety data sheet (SDS) of the product, where information on the disposal procedures can be found.
Recommendations for small and large disposal are distinguished from each other in the data sheet.
The data sheet is provided by the manufacturers/suppliers of the chemical.
Information on waste disposal methods like incineration, recycling or land-filling is given in the data sheet.
The types of disposal containers to be used and precautions to be observed during waste handling are also included in the data sheet.
If the chemical waste were toxic, do note that it will be controlled under the Environmental Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations 1988 (TIWR).
Toxic industrial waste are listed in the Schedule of Regulations as waste streams from specific industrial activities, wastes with specified toxic components and as specific categories of wastes.
The list includes spent acids, alkalis, wastes containing gallium arsenide, spent etching solutions containing copper from printed circuit board manufacturing, etc.
You can refer to the list of controlled toxic industrial wastes included in the TIWR.
In order to facilitate controls and proper management, the functions and responsibilities of key persons involved in handling of the toxic industrial wastes are clearly delineated in the TIWR.
The key persons include the following: (a) Generator of wastes; (b) Collector; (c) Carrier or transporter; (d) Driver.
The generator will have to treat the wastes in an approved in-house waste treatment plant and dispose of the residues, if any, at the National Environment Agency (NEA) sanitary landfill site.
Alternatively, the generator can engage a licensed toxic industrial waste collector to collect his wastes for treatment and disposal.
Under the regulations, all toxic industrial waste collectors must be licensed. More details can be found in the Management of Toxic Industrial Wastes in Singapore information paper.
If you need further clarification, you may wish to contact the NEA.
For all types of chemical waste, whether they are toxic or not, you have to refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS), product safety data sheet (PSDS), or safety data sheet (SDS) of the product, where information on the disposal procedures can be found.
Recommendations for small and large disposal are distinguished from each other in the data sheet.
The data sheet is provided by the manufacturers/suppliers of the chemical.
Information on waste disposal methods like incineration, recycling or land-filling is given in the data sheet.
The types of disposal containers to be used and precautions to be observed during waste handling are also included in the data sheet.
If the chemical waste were toxic, do note that it will be controlled under the Environmental Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations 1988 (TIWR).
Toxic industrial waste are listed in the Schedule of Regulations as waste streams from specific industrial activities, wastes with specified toxic components and as specific categories of wastes.
The list includes spent acids, alkalis, wastes containing gallium arsenide, spent etching solutions containing copper from printed circuit board manufacturing, etc.
You can refer to the list of controlled toxic industrial wastes included in the TIWR.
In order to facilitate controls and proper management, the functions and responsibilities of key persons involved in handling of the toxic industrial wastes are clearly delineated in the TIWR.
The key persons include the following: (a) Generator of wastes; (b) Collector; (c) Carrier or transporter; (d) Driver.
The generator will have to treat the wastes in an approved in-house waste treatment plant and dispose of the residues, if any, at the National Environment Agency (NEA) sanitary landfill site.
Alternatively, the generator can engage a licensed toxic industrial waste collector to collect his wastes for treatment and disposal.
Under the regulations, all toxic industrial waste collectors must be licensed. More details can be found in the Management of Toxic Industrial Wastes in Singapore information paper.
If you need further clarification, you may wish to contact the NEA.