Recently, the use of disposable plastic food containers has become popular for the ease of food, take-away or meal preparation. However, the safety of these containers is one of the most debated aspects, particularly with increasing worries regarding peoples health and the environment. In this paper, we will consider some of the factors that make the use of disposable plastic food containers a safety issue for the consumers.
Health Concern
The first and foremost adversary of disposable plastic food containers has to deal with their rumbling about most food microwaveable container is the health hazards especially when they are hot and contain the food. A major concern is whether this plastic would leach into the food especially when heated. Such plastics do not limit to only food containers. They are embedded with such plasticisers as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates which are harmful to health in numerous ways including endocrine manifold interference, infertility among females, general health and reproduction of the baby in the womb, among many others. Most people presumed trust the manufactures that most products of nowadays are BPA free including plastic containers as an example, however not all of the disposable plastic food containers are made from safe materials.
Environmental Impact
Impact of such made from single use plastic containers is another critical challenge. Plastic take out containers are used in most cases, one time and thrown away thus adding to the existing menace. Since plastics are not bio-degradable, they are usually found packed in iinland fills, or worse in the sea, and can take hundred years to disintegrate. It is detrimental to the aquatic environment and ecosystems.
In view of such suggestions, widespread measures to curb the use of plastic bags are being introduced at the national as well as international level and companies are also opting for plastic alternatives such as environmentally sustainable packing containers made from organic materials. For environmentally conscious people who wish to lessen the adverse impact on the environment that comes from multiple-use objects and plastic, the good choice is usage of non-plastic containers biodegradable or alternative options including glass & stainless steel.
Safety Guidelines to Be Observed
For individuals that still need to use disposable plastic food containers, some measures are put in place to help in using them safely:
Microwaving or Heating - Do not microwave or heat up containers made of plastic unless they are marked “For microwave” otherwise use at your own risk. Even for those that have a microwave safe label, a healthy reserve needs to be adopted.
Containers That Are BPA-Free – Avoid using any substances that contain BPA. Most plastics available today in the market will carry this label, but it does not hurt to see the label.
Use of One Time Use Disposable Containers - Use it only a few times and with non hot non watery foods preferably chilled or room temperature. Do not use it for hot foods or any kind of foods which are quite acidic as they will enhance the dissolution of the chemicals.
Proper disposal of containers to reduce pollution - Throw plastic containers only inside marked containers for recycling’s to avoid further aggravating the state of pollution.
Simplistic reasons exist about why plastic food storage boxes are widely used. However, it is very important to evaluate their safety, both from health and environmental perspectives . It is possible to achieve this if people learn more about which plastics are safe for food storage use and follow the recommended guidelines.
