At present, the quality of melamine tableware on the market varies. In order to save costs, some unscrupulous traders use urea-formaldehyde resin instead of melamine resin, or a mixture of the two resins. However, urea-formaldehyde resin is easily hydrolyzed and releases formaldehyde that is harmful to the human body. Therefore, the state stipulates that urea-formaldehyde resin cannot be used to make food tableware. If consumers buy inferior products and use them directly in food, formaldehyde will exceed the standard.
Experts remind: even qualified melamine tableware should pay attention to the shelf life. It usually needs to be replaced every 1-2 years. Otherwise, aging, cracking, etc. will occur, the strength will decrease, and it will be easier to release harmful substances such as formaldehyde. Melamine tableware should not be used for long-term storage of acidic, oily or alkaline food, and should not be heated in a microwave oven to avoid the release of toxic substances.
