Qatar has imposed a ban on the use of cups and containers made of foam for serving hot food and beverages. According to the new rule, foam products are permitted only for packaging cold food and drinks.
Additionally, the country's Ministry of Environment (MoE) has also introduced new norms for plastic and paper used for serving food. All plastic or paper cups and containers used for serving hot food and beverages will have to carry a note stating that they are suitable for packaging purpose.
The packaging for hot food items have to clear a 'heavy metal test' to show that they don't contain harmful substances.
Ministry of Environment Laboratories and Standardisation Department director Mohammed bin Sailf Al Kuwari was quoted by thepeninsulaqatar.com as saying that recently the ministry had made it mandatory for the use of food grade plastic for packing hot bread.
"We are now strictly implementing the requirements for plastic, foam and paper products used for packaging hot food and drinks," Al Kuwari added.
MoE suggested the use of glass or ceramic plates and cups as an alternative for serving hot food and drinks.
