Are plastic containers safe for food? This research: function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Many foods use plastic containers for storage. Indeed, plastic containers are more economical, waterproof, lightweight, and flexible. But among all the conveniences, some people think that the use of plastic as a container for food or drinks can be bad for health. Is that right? Come on, see the following reviews.

Plastic content and its effect on the body

Among all the ingredients for making plastics, there are two materials that are often researched because they are believed to be bad for health, namely BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalate. These two materials are added to the plastic to make it look clearer, harder, and more flexible.

The emergence of many questions about the safety of BPA, led researchers to start researching the chemical. Research concludes that these two chemicals can mimic the function and structure of the hormone estrogen when it enters the body. Because of this ability, BPA can bind to estrogen receptors and influence bodily processes.

This of course can interfere with growth, cell repair, fetal development, energy levels and reproduction. In addition, BPA may also have the ability to interact with other hormone receptors, such as the thyroid hormone receptor.

However, despite the many studies that have been conducted, the safety of BPA has not been shown to have a major impact on humans. Because the research that has been done has only tested it with rodent samples.

Determine plastic containers that are safe for food

It may be very difficult to remove plastic from our lives. For this reason, if you want to use a plastic container for storing or processing food, you need to know the safety of the plastic used by paying attention to the recycling code number printed on the plastic container.

Here's the guide:

Type 1: Polyethylene teraphthalate (PET)

These plastic containers are usually given the symbol PET, meaning they can only be used once. Although it does not contain BPA or phthalates, this type contains antimony which is possibly a carcinogen (triggers cancer) in humans. This type of plastic container is usually found in juice bottles or jam jars.

Type 2: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

These plastic containers are usually given the symbol HDPE, are safe and contain high density polyethylene which makes the plastic relatively stiff. This type of plastic container is usually found in milk bottles.

Type 3: Polyvinyl chloride (V)

These plastic containers, usually given the symbol V, contain phthalates. Usually found in fruit juice bottles, cooking oil bottles and food packaging that look clear, flexible and relatively stiff.

Type 4: Low density polyethylene (LDPE)

These plastic containers are usually given the LDPE symbol and can be found on food packaging or seasonings that are easy to knead and resistant to solvents.

Type 5: Polypropylene (PP)

These plastic containers are usually given the symbol PP and can be found on yogurt, drink bottles, and soy sauce packages because polypropylene does not release its chemicals into food or liquids.

Type 7: Polycarbonate (PC)

These plastic containers are usually given the symbol PC or Other and are found on gallon water bottles. This plastic container contains BPA, please avoid using this container repeatedly.

Is it okay to heat food in a plastic container?

The use of heated plastic containers also needs to be watched out for. Reporting from Health Harvard Edu, a plastic container that is heated makes the plastic release dioxy, which is a cancer-causing chemical. Especially for foods such as meat and cheese. These foods tend to more easily absorb the hazardous chemicals found in plastic containers.

Then, is it okay to heat food in plastic containers at all?

Researchers assess how many containers are allowed to be heated inside microwave , which is about 100-1000 times lower per 0.4 kg of body weight. Also, only containers that have passed the test and contain a text or icon microwafe-safe only that can be used in microwave .

How about a container that doesn't have an icon microwafe-safe ? Researchers also said that these containers were not always unsafe because even the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had not determined that each container was safe or not when used in microwave .

How to reduce exposure to hazardous substances from plastic containers

Although research has not been proven, the best thing you can do right now is to reduce its use. For example, when the food in a plastic container wants to be heated, you should replace it with a heat-resistant ceramic container.

In addition, avoid using other plastic containers repeatedly, especially in type 1 and 7 plastic containers. Then avoid direct food exposure with shopping bags made of plastic bags.