Placing a napkin on the table and resting utensils on top has long been considered a hygienic habit at South Korean restaurants. But a new study found that some napkins can expose diners to harmful substances, with decorative napkins printed with elaborate patterns posing the greatest risk.
The Seoul Institute of Health and Environment recently released safety test results for 105 paper napkin products. The tests covered 21 disposable paper napkins classified as sanitary products, sold through online platforms, specialty stores at traditional markets and small household goods shops, along with 84 decorative napkins printed with colorful pictures and patterns, which are classified as manufactured goods. The institute tested for three substances: formaldehyde, fluorescent whitening agents and benzophenone. All of the disposable paper napkins were domestically produced, while all of the decorative napkins were imported.
None of the three substances were detected in any of the 21 disposable paper napkins. Among the 84 decorative napkins, however, formaldehyde was found in eight, fluorescent whitening agents in 14 and benzophenone in 23. Formaldehyde and fluorescent whitening agents can remain as residual additives from the papermaking process, while benzophenone is a suspected carcinogen that can remain in printing ink.
Concerns that these substances fall outside regulation are not new. A 2001 study by the Gyeonggi Province Institute of Health and Environment also detected fluorescent whitening agents in paper tablecloths and similar items. At the time, the Food Sanitation Act banned the substance only in containers that come into direct contact with food, such as paper cups, leaving paper tablecloths outside the scope of regulation.
Residual formaldehyde limits still apply to sanitary products, with toilet paper capped at 4 parts per million and children's diapers at 20 ppm. Decorative napkins, classified as manufactured goods, are subject to no such standard.
The institute advised against using decorative napkins to wipe the mouth or hands, or in any way that brings them into direct contact with food. The plain disposable napkins commonly provided at restaurants are registered as sanitary products and undergo both self-inspection and periodic testing.
People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or weakened immune systems should take care to keep decorative napkins away from tableware and food. One suggested alternative is to ask for a small side plate and use it as a utensil rest instead of placing utensils on a napkin.
