We all have got our food delivered in a black plastic container at least once in our lives. Black plastic containers have become a common sight in every household. Their popularity stems from convenience, affordability and durability. But do you know that it is not considered safe to store food in such containers? Read on to know the reason behind it.
Why Is It Not Safe To Store Food In Black Plastic Containers?
Recently, a video has been making waves on social media where a creator and Doctor Nandita Iyer shared the reason behind why we shouldn’t be storing food in the black plastic containers. She stated that black plastic is not a single, uniform material. It is often made from recycled plastics and may contain additives, flame retardants or other chemicals that are not always clearly identified. Some of it may contain residues of electronics like TVs, remotes, old PVCs, and flame retardants, which are definitely not food safe.
Not only this, but the black-coloured dye helps mask the mishmash of plastics combined to make these boxes. She further stated, “There is also evidence that black plastic, especially when heated in the microwave or in the presence of acid or fats, which are in our curries, or using black ladles or spoons in hot food, leaches higher levels of harmful compounds, including these brominated flame retardants and heavy metals.” While not every black plastic item is dangerous, many are made from these poorly traceable recycled materials, which increases the risk. These risks include life-threatening diseases like cancer, hormone disruption like thyroid, reproductive harm, neurotoxicity and developmental damage in kids.
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One might think, then, are all plastic containers harmful or useful? No, the creator responded to the doubt as well and stated, “I am not asking you to throw away every plastic container from your kitchen or the ones that stock dry groceries. But if you’re going to make this one plastic swap today, make it this. Replace black plastic containers with safer alternatives.”
How To Avoid Using These Black Plastic Containers?
The doctor advised on how to avoid the black plastic container. She said, “Tell the restaurants you regularly order from not to use these black plastics for deliveries. Even the white plastic boxes are better. Paper boxes are often lined with a thin layer of plastic on which hot food is put, and it is the same as using hot food in any other plastic container. Only this is even tougher to recycle. So when you get your food in these containers, transfer them to food-safe glass immediately, and definitely do not microwave them in the black food containers.”
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So next time you are getting food delivered in black food containers, you know what to do. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Cover Image Courtesy: Freepik/Azerbaijan Stockers