Key Safety Risks
Phenolic resins are produced through the polycondensation of phenol and formaldehyde. The finished products may contain residual toxic substances-such as free phenol and free aniline-which pose a risk of migration into food upon contact at high temperatures.
Long-term ingestion of phenol can impair liver and kidney function, while aniline is classified as a Group 3 potential carcinogen; strict safety limits apply to the migration levels of both substances.
With some substandard phenolic products, the release of harmful substances can significantly exceed safety limits when exposed to high temperatures or acidic/oily foods, posing clear health risks.
Compliant Alternatives
Melamine-formaldehyde resin (melamine resin) is a thermosetting resin suitable for manufacturing tableware. It offers excellent water and impact resistance, is non-toxic under normal use conditions, meets safety standards for food-contact materials, and is currently the primary raw material used for "imitation porcelain" tableware.
It should be noted that some sources erroneously state that "melamine is also known as phenolic resin"; this is a conceptual error, as the two are entirely different types of resins and cannot be equated.