Ten (10) Things You Should Not Do With Plastic Containers
Hello again and welcome! Here at Houston Organic Cleaning Service, we go above and beyond to not only contribute to the well-being of our clients with the service we provide, but to also help keep them informed on matters that may negatively impact their health. Today, we are talking just a bit about using plastic containers safely. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate the use of plastic food-grade containers to ensure they meet the required safety standards for consumers. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) focuses on the safety and quality of food products, and not the packaging.
Plastic containers are inexpensive, lightweight, does not break easily, are stackable, and widely available. Experts continue to caution us against using plastics in general, particular older plastics and single-use plastic containers. Although plastic containers are very convenient, most of them may contain BPA (Bisphenol A), a chemical that blocks and interferes with hormones leading to health issues. Should you choose to use plastic containers, here are a few things you should avoid doing with them.
Do not use plastic containers in the microwave – even if they say that they are "microwave safe." Heat can "break down plastics and release chemical additives into your food and drink," says EWG.
Do not store pet food in plastic containers, use glass or stainless steel container instead, to reduce the risk of toxins contaminating your pet’s food.
Do not use plastic containers for hot liquids.
Do not store leftover food in take-out containers. It is best to transfer them into a glass or stainless steel container.
Do not store food in plastic containers that are scratched or have been repeatedly heated in the microwave.
Do not store raw meat or acidic foods like citrus fruits or fermented foods like yogurt in plastic containers.
Do not reheat food in single use plastic containers like take-out containers because the containers can melt, thereby causing harmful chemicals to leach into your food.
Do not reheat or store food in older plastics containers because they may contain bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical commonly found in older plastics.
Do not wash plastics containers on the bottom rack of the dishwasher, wash them on the top rack or by hand to reduce wear.
Do not allow babies to put plastic electronics (the remote, your cell phone) into their mouths because the device may have been treated with fire retardants.
Healthier options include glass, stainless steel and ceramic. These materials are non-reactive, non-toxic and easily sanitized. In addition, they are sturdy, heat-tolerant and do not release chemicals or toxins into food. For example, glass is not only 100% recyclable, but, because glass is inert, they do not react with natural chemicals or dyes found in food. Food and beverages stored in these containers stay fresh longer. Glass and ceramic can be microwaved and all three (3) are Eco-friendly, can be heated in the oven and placed into the dishwasher.
Source: FDA
Source: EWG
Source SicenceDaily
Source: Iowa State University
Source: MDPI
As always, we thank you for visiting us today and hope you visit often. If you are looking for a cleaning service, we hope you will give us a try. We are always 100% toxic free, 100% fragrance free, 100% chemical free. Safe for you home, family, friends, pets, and the environment. Until next time…
