URBAN life today has completely transformed our eating habits. With work pressures, academic commitments and household responsibilities, people increasingly gravitate towards quick, convenient and affordable food. Street vendors, home delivery services, restaurants and fast-food outlets now rely heavily on paper or paper trays to serve meals. At first glance, this seems convenient 鈥� lightweight, portable, eco-friendly and cost-effective. Yet behind this apparent convenience lies a serious and growing health risk.
One major concern is the use of both new and old paper. Many businesses do not consistently use fresh, certified paper; instead, they often depend on old paper or collect scrap paper from local scrap shops. Such paper frequently contains dust, dirt, residual ink, plastic coatings and other chemical traces. When food is placed on it, these substances can directly contaminate the meal. Over time, these contaminants may affect the liver, kidneys, digestive system and even disrupt hormonal balance.
Scientific studies have shown that inks, dyes, coatings and recycled fibres present in paper and cardboard can migrate into food, particularly fatty, oily, or hot items. International research has confirmed that residues from old paper can mix with food, potentially causing stomach pain, diarrhoea, digestive disorders and an increased risk of infection.
Chemical contamination, however, is not the only danger. Bacterial contamination is equally concerning. Old paper retains moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria when it comes into contact with hot food. Children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. In street food and home delivery settings, bacteria multiply rapidly in paper trays, especially if trays are reused without proper cleaning.
In Bangladesh, this trend is particularly alarming. Reports from restaurants, fast-food chains and home delivery services indicate that, to cut costs, many vendors use old, collected, or scrap paper. Consumers, prioritising affordability and convenience over safety, inadvertently contribute to the problem, heightening health risks and eroding social awareness and ethical responsibility.
Environmental concerns compound the issue. Many paper trays are coated with plastic or wax to prevent leakage and these coatings do not decompose easily. Once discarded, they can persist in soil and water for years. Reusing old paper further aggravates environmental pollution, creating a dual threat to both public health and sustainability.
Recycled paper, often marketed as eco-friendly, can pose additional risks if not specifically certified for food contact. Research has shown that chemicals in recycled paper, including residual inks, adhesives and coatings, can migrate into food, potentially leading to long-term health issues such as cancer, hormonal disruption and organ damage.
A common example in Bangladesh involves street food vendors sourcing scrap paper from offices or shops. Many of these papers are printed with advertisements, coloured inks and other residues. When hot food is placed directly on such paper, harmful chemicals are absorbed, leading to direct contamination.
The bacterial risk is also significant. Fried foods, oily snacks and other moisture-retaining items provide a breeding ground for bacteria when served on old or recycled paper. Studies indicate that moisture retention in paper promotes the growth of pathogens such as E coli and Salmonella, both particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with weakened immunity.
Scientific research confirms that paper trays can transfer inks, coatings and other chemical residues into food, especially fatty or hot dishes. International studies have identified substances such as formaldehyde, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in paper packaging, which may cause liver toxicity, hormonal disruption and cancer over time.
Government oversight is therefore critical. Regular inspections, strict food safety standards and effective enforcement are essential. Food-contact materials must be certified and vendors should be routinely monitored to ensure compliance. Both the European Union and the United States maintain stringent regulations regarding paper and packaging materials used for food. The European Food Safety Authority explicitly requires that any substances in paper contacting food must not be harmful to human health. Adopting similar policies in Bangladesh could significantly reduce these risks.
Consumer awareness and responsibility are equally vital. Regardless of whether the paper is new or old, the priority must always be food safety. Promptly transferring hot food to clean plates, avoiding direct paper contact for children and the elderly and practising good hygiene are essential precautions.
The environmental impact also deserves attention. Many paper trays, particularly those coated with plastic, are not biodegradable. When discarded, they linger in the environment, contributing to land and water pollution. While recycled paper may appear environmentally friendly, its direct use for serving food is potentially harmful unless certified as food-safe.
Proper handling, hygiene and selection of materials can significantly reduce both health and environmental risks. Vendors can adopt safer alternatives such as stainless steel, glass, or certified biodegradable trays. Hot or oily foods should be lined with protective barriers to prevent direct contact with paper. Consumers should transfer food to clean plates and ensure careful handling for vulnerable populations.
Governments must implement continuous monitoring and strict enforcement to ensure compliance. Food serving is no longer merely a matter of convenience, it is a question of health, safety, social awareness and ethical responsibility. While paper may seem practical today, it poses serious long-term health risks. Awareness, adoption of safer alternatives and government oversight are essential to mitigating these dangers. Small steps 鈥� safe tray use, informed consumer behaviour and robust regulatory enforcement 鈥� can collectively build a healthier, safer and more conscientious society.
Recent surveys in Dhaka and other urban centres reveal that over 60 per cent of street food vendors reuse old paper or packaging materials to reduce costs. Observations across several districts show that such practices are common in both high-end eateries and roadside stalls alike. This underscores the urgent need for public education, vendor training and regulatory oversight to protect public health.
The migration of chemicals from paper to food is not merely theoretical. Studies published in Food Control and the Journal of Food Science confirm that residual inks and coatings can transfer measurable quantities of heavy metals and potentially carcinogenic substances into food. Heat, oil and moisture accelerate this process, increasing the risk with every meal served on substandard paper.
Children鈥檚 health is particularly at risk. Repeated exposure to contaminated packaging may result in the accumulation of toxins, affecting growth, development and long-term organ health. The elderly, whose immune systems are often compromised, are also more susceptible to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria on paper surfaces.
Government policies must align with international food safety standards. Bangladesh鈥檚 current food safety regulations remain limited and enforcement sporadic. Introducing clear certification requirements for all paper products intended for food use, alongside regular inspections of restaurants and street vendors, could drastically reduce health risks. Incentives for adopting biodegradable or reusable trays would also encourage safer alternatives.
Environmental responsibility is intertwined with food safety. Improper disposal of coated paper trays contributes to land and water pollution. The promotion of biodegradable alternatives and responsible waste management can mitigate these effects, protecting both public health and the environment.
Education campaigns targeting vendors, consumers and schoolchildren are crucial. Raising awareness about the dangers of using old or contaminated paper for food contact, promoting proper hygiene and encouraging safe alternatives will help change behaviour at the grassroots level. Consumers must be encouraged to prioritise food safety over convenience, while vendors must be trained to follow best practices that ensure hygiene and safety.
Ultimately, food service practices reflect societal priorities. Ensuring safe food is not only a matter of personal health but a moral duty towards one鈥檚 family, community and future generations. Immediate action such as using certified food-safe trays, avoiding reused paper and following proper hygiene is essential.
While old paper, recycled materials, or cheap trays may appear economical, the long-term health costs far outweigh the short-term savings. By adopting safe food-contact practices, strengthening regulations, promoting consumer awareness and investing in environmentally responsible alternatives, Bangladesh can reduce health risks, protect vulnerable populations and build a sustainable food service culture.
Every small step, whether transferring food to clean plates, using certified trays, or educating vendors, can cumulatively ensure a healthier, safer and more conscientious society for all.
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Md Shamim Mia is a student of Fulchhori Government College.