Kitchenware maker Lock&Lock Co Ltd said on its website on March 23 that its products in Chinese markets are safe, a response to reports that a Hong Kong quality watchdog found toxic plasticizers in product samples, the Beijing News reported Sunday.

The Consumer Council of Hong Kong published in a report on March 18 that some microwavable plasticware sold in Hong Kong had plasticizers, but they pose no threat to consumers' health if consumers follow the manufacturer's instructions when they use the containers to heat food in microwave ovens.

The council found seven of 25 samples of microwavable plastic released plasticizers after being microwaved, but the amounts were 0.05 milligrams to 5 milligrams per kilogram, which is within the European Union's safety limits.

The company's statement said its products are safe, and use polypropylene material without plasticizers. Lock&Lock also said the sample tested in Hong Kong was made in Vietnam and not available in the mainland, and that the product has not been in production for three years.

Dong Jinshi, vice-president of the International Food Packaging Association, told Beijing News that containers for oil and infant formula must not contain plasticizers, and people should not microwave plasticware holding oily food. Dong also said consumers should not microwave the lid of microwavable plasticware if it is not made of material tolerant of heat, such as polypropylene.

The study, published in Choice magazine, said two brands, Tark and Lock&Lock, were found with Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP, in the box and lid. The lids of six brands were made of polyethylene, which can resist heat of up to 110 C, or polystyrene, which can resist heat of up to 90 C.