The work aims to introduce the hidden food safety hazards of starch and plant fiber plant-based degradable tableware and the research progress, in order to provide support for the in-depth study of plant-based degradable tableware and the formulation of related standards. The application of two plant-based degradable materials, starch and cellulose in tableware was reviewed. At the same time, the potential sources of harmful substances in plant-based degradable tableware were summarized in combination with the process flow and life cycle of the tableware. The potential hazards mainly came from the migration of dissolved microparticles, heavy metals and additives in the process of contact with food and entered the human body, posing a threat to health. It is necessary to gradually establish and improve the specific laws and standards related to the migration limit requirements, detection methods and toxicological data of chemical substances in the use of plant-based degradable disposable tableware. How to ensure the safety of the product during the shelf life also needs to be studied in depth.