Is It Safe to Store Food in Plastic Containers?
Plastic storage containers have been around for decades - remember the Tupperware range we - or our mothers - used to collect so avidly? They came in all shapes, sizes and colors and we even attended or held Tupperware parties in our homes to view the latest offerings!
Plastic containers are still used in the home to store leftovers, for packed lunches and for takeout meals from restaurants.
But how safe are they?
Unfortunately, studies have shown that some of the very many substances used to make plastic storage containers can "leach" into the food and drink they contain.
Thousands of chemicals found to be present in humans could be the ones used in the manufacture of food contact materials or are present in the final articles - such packaging or kitchenware.
And because of the complex nature of plastics manufacturing, it can be hard to pin down what chemicals are in storage containers.
A more detailed breakdown...
Additional information
Avoid Single-Use Containers
Plastic containers designed for single-use should not be reused.
Discard Damaged Containers
If a plastic container shows signs of wear, such as scratches, cracks, discoloration or stains, it should be discarded.
Unsafe Plastic Food Containers: Recycling Codes 3, 6, and 7: These are generally considered high-risk and should be avoided for food storage.
Code 3 (PVC): Used for some food wraps and cling film.
Code 6 (PS): Used for some takeout containers and disposable cups.
Code 7 (Other): Can include a variety of plastics, some of which may contain BPA.
BPA Concerns
Some plastics, particularly those marked with recycling codes 3 and 7, may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has raised concerns about its potential health effects.
BPA-Free Alternatives
Look for products labelled "BPA-free" or choose plastics with recycling codes 1, 2, 4, or 5.
Microwave Use
While some plastic containers are labelled as microwave-safe, it's best to avoid microwaving food directly in plastic containers, especially those with recycling codes 3, 6, or 7 - and to transfer food to glass or ceramic dishes for microwaving.
Dishwasher Use
Washing some types of plastic containers in the dishwasher on a hot cycle can also be hazardous.
What should you use in place of plastic for storing food and beverages?
It is recommended that we replace plastic food containers with ones made from inert materials such as glass or stainless steel. Of course, these can be much more expensive but will have a long life.
If you care about your health, it is wise to get rid of plastic containers and invest in ones made from glass. The square type will often have plastic lids but of course because they are a covering to the glass, they are much less likely to affect the food being stored.
Of course there is no problem if you use your existing plastic food containers to store items that are not food related. Keeping and storing items in the garage, workshop, craft space, cleaning supplies cupboard and many more are all suggestions so that the old containers do not go to waste.
SOURCES:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/are_plastic_food_storage_containers_safe
https://www.southernliving.com/should-never-store-in-plastic-containers
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.
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