Ban on cups for hot beverages in Dubai encompasses all materials

18-Apr-06

The civic body's decision on cups for hot beverages does not imply a ban on plastic cups alone. Cafeterias and other establishments selling food items have been instructed not to use cups that are not meant for hot beverages, whether plastic or any other material. As per the new regulations, scheduled to come into effect early next month, cups made from non-food grade material and those that cannot withstand high temperature (100 degrees Celsius) cannot be used to serve hot beverages. Hence, if the cup is made from paper that is not food grade or has ink that can migrate to the beverage being served (due to heat), and contaminate it, then it would be a violation to use it. This implies that if cups made from other material do not meet the set standards, they cannot be used; and if the cups are made from good plastic, are food graded and can withstand the temperature at which hot beverages are served, they can be used. The department has issued circulars to the dealers and manufacturers of plastic, Styrofoam and paper cups to mention the temperature range the particular product is made for, and the code of the material used (to verify if it is food graded) on each unit and on the cartons they are packaged in.