Bangkok: Social media is abuzz with images of "fried rice wrapped in newspaper," prompting the Department of Health to explain the potential risks associated with this packaging method.

According to Thai News Agency, a social media user shared a picture of rice wrapped in newspaper in the group "We Are Consumers," captioning it with, "60 baht for fried rice, but look at the packaging!" The post quickly attracted numerous comments, sparking a debate about the health implications and the traditional use of newspaper for wrapping food.

The Food and Water Sanitation Division of the Department of Health issued a statement highlighting that while the practice might be seen as traditional and the food might be delicious, it is indeed risky. They warned that even with a plastic layer separating the food from the newspaper, complete safety is not guaranteed. This is due to some plastics being unable to fully protect against chemical contamination. The division noted the risk of chemical leaching from the newspaper, potentially causing respiratory issues and the accumulation of heavy metals such as lead in the body, which can lead to chronic health problems. Furthermore, heat can exacerbate the leaching of chemicals through the plastic.

The Department of Health urged consumers to opt for food packaged in appropriate food-grade materials and advised businesses to use only food-safe packaging to comply with food hygiene standards. The overarching message from health officials is clear: while delicious food is important, ensuring safety is crucial.