Recently, napkins collected from ten Beijing restaurants of varying sizes were tested by experts. Only two establishments provided napkins completely free of fluorescent agents.
Dong Jinshi, Secretary-General of the International Food Packaging Association, conducted three experiments on the samples. He found that some napkins contained fluorescent agents over certain areas, while others turned black when burned, indicating low fiber content and possible production from impure "waste paper."The restaurants included well-known chains, fast-food outlets, and ordinary eateries such as McDonald's, KFC, Yoshinoya, and Yuxiang Renjia.
Dong explained that napkins made from waste paper cost 1,500 yuan per ton, while those made from pure grass pulp cost 2,500 yuan per ton. Napkins made from pure wood pulp cost nearly 5,000 yuan per ton.After producing napkins from waste paper, manufacturers typically add talcum powder and calcium carbonate, with some also incorporating fluorescent whitening agents. This process ensures sufficient weight and an appealing appearance.In restaurants, avoid napkins that appear excessively white or black, emit odors, shed fibers when shaken, or show excessive "see-through" when held to light.
Napkins are daily necessities we use intimately, yet we seldom consider their hygiene.This "unconscious daily use" stems from the assumption that napkins are inherently clean. Yet repeated media exposés have shattered public trust. Though seemingly insignificant, these small napkins can severely undermine societal credibility. Worse still, they may unknowingly contribute to life-threatening illnesses. We hope everyone can soon use safe napkins, ensuring that every individual's health is respected and protected.
The Serious Hazards of Substandard Napkins
Using napkins made from low-quality toilet paper can easily transfer residual toxic substances like fluorescent whitening agents and bacteria to the mouth, which may then be ingested.Long-term use of substandard napkins increases disease risk: First, inhalation of harmful fungi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, etc., may cause enteritis, typhoid, dysentery, or even hepatitis. Second, residual whitening agents in poor-quality paper release harmful dust into the respiratory tract. Third, skin irritation and allergies may occur.
How to Identify Substandard Napkins
Expert Advice:
"Look, Feel, Use" to Distinguish Quality
Look: Hold the napkin against light. If it reflects specks of light, it's substandard. Inferior napkins are extremely thin with visible black impurities, appearing dull and coarse.Pure wood pulp products, however, typically have moderate whiteness, a clean surface, and a smooth texture.
Feel: Inferior napkins feel coarse and stiff to the touch. Qualified napkins, on the other hand, feel smooth and soft, shed no lint or powder, and possess strong tensile strength.
Third, test usage: Before using the napkin, shake it to see if white powder falls off—if it does, it's low-quality. When wiping hands with inferior napkins, paper fibers often shed and may stick to skin. When soaked in water, low-quality napkins immediately disintegrate into pulp, becoming ragged before use. Wood pulp napkins, however, have a dense texture and strong absorbency, retaining their shape even after soaking.