Since the surfaces of polypropylene food service tableware (hereinafter called PP tableware) are easily abraded, adherence of allergen residues is a concern. In this study, we clarified the reasons for abrasion and analyzed egg allergen residues on PP tableware.
The abrasions were straight-lined, superficial (about 0.1 μm deep, and 20-35 μm wide), and similar in width to the diameter of unwoven fabric fibers. Compared to the hardness of other tableware, PP tableware was assumed to be easily abraded by unwoven fabric fibers, and the actual abrasions of the polypropylene could be demonstrated by rubbing PP tableware with unwoven fabric. This result suggested that abrasion of the PP tableware surface was due to the scouring action of the unwoven cloth used for dishwashing.
Dishwashing with a soft sponge was important to reduce abrasions, and also effective to remove egg allergen residues on PP tableware, regardless of the extent of abrasions.
