Foam dinnerware back on the menu

A 14-year ban on the sale of disposable dinnerware made of plastic foam will be lifted on May 1, despite concerns over the potential environmental risks.

Food packaging made of the substance has been omitted from a list of industries to be eliminated, according to an amended guideline on industrial restructuring from the National Development and Reform Commission in February.

Plastic foam is often called Styrofoam, but the Dow Chemical Co product is not used to make food containers or disposable coffee cups.