The Professional Control Authority has advised people to only use plastic containers marked with “1” or “5” for  airag, milk, farm products, and drinking water; and warned NOT to use those marked with “3” “6” “7” or without any mark or codes. If possible, consumers are advised to avoid containers marked with “2” “4”. The reason – they contain lead (Pb) which can accumulate in the human body, and is dangerous to the nervous systems. Therefore, the Professional Control Authority warned people not to buy milk, water, airag etc., bottled in plastic containers marked with these codes.

Since 2013 the amount of harmful chemical substances imported into Mongolia has increased by 31%; 17325 items for storing food have been identified, all with harmful chemical substances to 52% of which are from China.   

Due to observation of The Professional Control Authority, the conclusion was “83% of all the containers sold at the “Narantuul Market” and the “Kharkhorin Market” are containers which have already been used; 96% of them are not designed for food; 72% of them are of 20-50 liters capacity”. 

Also, the Professional Control Authority has investigated samples from 7 containers with a capacity ranging from 10-120 liters being retailed at “Narantuul Market”; the result of the investigation was 48 more times ammonia than normal; in other words 27 more times than acceptable amount.  Also, the amount of chemical substances increases over time.  Heavy metals and lead amount was 3-4 times more than the acceptable norm.