Vibrant colors, diverse styles, and lightweight yet shatter-resistant—due to these advantages, melamine tableware has become a favorite among many consumers and even the专用 (dedicated) tableware for some parents when teaching their babies to eat.
Due to different materials, melamine tableware prices on the market vary greatly. It might sell for three to four yuan in wholesale markets, while in large supermarkets, it can exceed 10 yuan. However, it is difficult for consumers to distinguish between high and low-quality melamine tableware based on appearance alone. Relevant tests are necessary for differentiation. For example, when soaked in water or used to hold hot food, formaldehyde or pigments from inferior tableware might "leach out," releasing a pungent odor or causing discoloration and whitening.
For safety, consumers should never opt for cheap alternatives when purchasing this type of tableware. It is advisable to buy from large malls and supermarkets and to look for the QS production license mark. Additionally, it's important to note that genuine melamine resin is white. The brightly colored melamine tableware on the market today is all dyed. Therefore, choosing white or light-colored tableware is safer.
Whether it's melamine tableware or ceramic, stainless steel, and other types of tableware, even if you purchase a qualified product, some harmful substances may be left over from the production process. Therefore, it is best to treat them before use. This serves both to sterilize and disinfect, and to help any residual harmful substances dissolve or volatilize. The methods recommended by President Dong are: one, soak the tableware in vinegar for 2 hours; the other, boil it in water for about 5 minutes, then let it soak until it cools naturally.