(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Higher Committee for Consumer Protection (HCCP) of the Ministry of Economy has banned the use of styrofoam cups for serving hot and sour beverages after local and international studies showed that they harm human health.
The HCCP called upon the competent bodies such as municipalities and the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) to enforce the ban, and impose penalties on violators.
The committee called on municipalities to place all cafes and shops that serve beverages under the scanner and bring to book those who flout the rules. The committee said it would impose stiff penalties on violators, including closure if the offence is repeated and a fine of up to Dh100,000 if an entity flouts the decision.
Earlier, a study conducted at the National Research Centre affiliated to the US government had warned that foam cups and all food containers that are made of foam contain Styrene - a carcinogenic chemical substance which causes cancer, particularly when it interacts with heat.
The international study prompted local bodies to do similar studies on styrofoam and plastic on human health. Based on these, the committee had earlier banned the use of plastic cups for serving hot beverages.
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