WE THANK Mr Lim Wah Fong ("How safe are disposable utensils?"; June 3) and Mr Wong Boon Hong ("Ban disposable utensils not designed for hot food"; June 5, both published on Forum Online) for their inquiries about the safety of disposable utensils.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) conducts regular post-market surveillance involving the sampling and testing of disposable utensils, including wooden chopsticks and plastic spoons and plates, to ensure that they do not release any harmful substances when exposed to food or under intended use conditions.

If the AVA detects utensils which do not meet the safety standards of the food regulations, the AVA will recall the utensils and may compound the offence for a sum of up to $1,000, or may prosecute the offenders in court.

So far, our laboratory results have shown that the disposable utensils used in Singapore meet our safety standards and are safe for handling food.

Astrid Yeo (Dr)

Group Director

Regulatory Administration Group

Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority