Malaysian health inspectors to probe bamboo chopsticks for chemicals

Regional media reports have recently claimed that bamboo chopsticks can contain chemical preservatives. If this is found to be the case, they will be banned from sale, said health minister S Subramaniam.

"Normally, when we have these kind of reports, we will study them and look for scientific evidence before coming up with a conclusive decision​,” he told media.

He said if the chopsticks were found to contain harmful chemicals or preservatives beyond permissible levels, the ministry's food safety department would act to prevent their sale.

The media reports have been in response to a video has went viral about Taiwan allegedly banning China-made chopsticks which were said to contain high level of chemicals.

Malaysian regional bodies, including the Consumer Association of Penang, have since warned of the dangers of using disposable chopsticks.

The association’s research officer was reported to have said that bamboo chopsticks were likely to have been submerged in preservative chemicals.