AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine environmental officials said the state’s ban on polystyrene foam disposable food containers will take effect on July 1.

The ban had been scheduled to go into effect on January 1, but was delayed because of disruption in packaging supplies due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection said. The new rules apply to restaurants, stores and numerous other eating establishments.

Maine DEP said the rules also apply to workplace cafes, public and private schools, hospital cafeterias and other locations. The agency said businesses that use the polystyrene foam should acquire alternatives for use in the future.

The new rules exempt raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs until July 1, 2025. The rules apply to products sold in Maine whether they are prepackaged out of state or not, Maine DEP said.