The Health Profession's Attitudes toward Single-Use Food and Beverage Containers

Abstract

A national survey was conducted to determine the attitudes of the public health profession toward single-use food and beverage containers. Data summarized in this report were obtained from 2,760 of 3,000 questionnaires mailed to survey participants. Results of this study reveal that public health workers identify single-use food and beverage containers as beneficial in terms of reducing the potential for cross-infection and disease transmission among users. Respondents also recognize the importance of these products in eliminating the need for dishwashing facilities and in conserving energy. Accordingly, most public health workers are of the opinion that single-use products “contribute very much” to sanitation levels in food service facilities. While realizing the benefits derived from paper and plastic food service products, public health professionals recognize that they contribute to solid waste problems. However, most of the respondents agree that the public health benefits of paper and plastic food service products are greater than the possible disadvantages, such as the contribution of these products to the character and volume of urban solid waste.