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So-called "eco-friendly" bamboo and other bio-based dishes, often marketed as natural and safe alternatives to plastic, may release potentially harmful chemicals into food, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague).

The investigation, in the journal Food Control, found that a significant portion of tested tableware contained the industrial chemical melamine, which migrated into food simulants at levels exceeding legal limits.

Melamine found in bamboo-based tableware

The comprehensive study analyzed 33 bio-based dishes—including bowls, cups, and dining sets—purchased from markets in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and China. Using advanced analytical techniques (UHPLC-HRMS/MS), the scientists discovered that melamine was present in 32% of the tested products, almost exclusively in those containing bamboo.

The research team performed migration tests to simulate real-world use. The results were concerning: six of the bamboo-based products were found to be non-compliant with European Union regulations, releasing melamine above the specific migration limit (SML) of 2.5 mg/kg. The study further documented that melamine leached into common beverages, including hot lemon tea and orange juice, highlighting a direct route of consumer exposure.

Misleading labels and regulatory gaps

"Our findings are a critical warning for consumers who choose bio-based tableware believing it is a safer, more sustainable option," said Professor Jana Hajslova, the corresponding author of the study and a leading researcher at UCT Prague's Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition.

"The 'natural' label can be dangerously misleading. Many of these products are essentially plastic dishes made from melamine-formaldehyde resin containing bamboo filler. Our research shows this combination can accelerate the polymer's degradation and increase the migration of harmful substances like melamine, especially into hot or acidic foods and drinks."

Although the use of bamboo as an additive in plastic food contact materials has been banned in the EU since 2021 due to these risks, the study confirms that these items are still available for purchase. The research highlights the false advertising common with these products, which are often labeled as "100% bamboo" or "biodegradable" despite being composed of a plastic resin.

Other contaminants and calls for vigilance

Beyond melamine, the non-targeted screening also identified the presence of other contaminants. Several bio-based dishes, particularly those made from cereals, contained residues of pesticides. Disinfectants were the primary residues found in the bamboo-based items.

The study concludes that significant safety concerns persist for bio-based tableware and calls for increased vigilance and market surveillance to protect consumers from hazardous and illegally marketed products.