The prohibition on expanded polystyrene, or EPS, foam food service products is expected to begin in Annapolis. These products, commonly referred to by the trademarked name Styrofoam, are prohibited for use and sale at food service businesses and grocery and convenience stores in the city of Annapolis as of Sept. 1.Earlier this year, the city mailed letters to all food service businesses and grocers to begin using up the product in order to be in compliance. The grace period ran from Oct. 22, 2018, to Sept. 1. After Sept. 1, businesses using EPS foam for food service will be fined $100 for the first offense and $200 for subsequent violations.This measure is an important step toward protecting lands, streams and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay according to the Annapolis Office of Environmental Policy. EPS foam is not recyclable and, once discarded, persists in the environment. It is not biodegradable. Instead, EPS breaks down into small pieces dangerous to fish and wildlife according to the Environmental Protection Agency.Anne Arundel County and the state of Maryland have passed similar bans with future effective dates. EPS foam is banned in the following products: cups, bowls, plates, takeout containers, clamshells and trays. The ban impacts restaurants (full, fast and self-service), grocery stores, vending trucks, food carts, institutional cafeterias and other businesses that sell or provide food for consumption on- or off-premise. Businesses may use containers composed of compostable materials, paper, plant (sugarcane, rice, bamboo), as well as aluminum and glass.