Are plastic containers safe?
Posted on: 14/Oct/2016 10:28:59 AM
Plastic containers are most convenient to use. Containers with very thin plastic body are not safe at all even though they may be marked so. Many studies conducted by scientists say that these containers release BPA, or Bisephnol A, which can latch on to the food when it is heated. Exposure to BPA in small doses is considered to be more harmful than larger ones and the effects are longer. BPA is considered to be inherently toxic by environmentalists, too, who have urged a ban on it.
One way to avoid this is to avoid reusing containers that are used for take-away and home delivery. According to studies, such plastic containers have a high affinity for fats and once they come in contact with food high in oil or fat-based substances, they can never be truly clean for a second use. The plastic is irrevocably altered even though it was originally marked as food grade.
Heavy glass jars, which are marked food grade and used to store food, can be directly used in the oven. It is also safe to re-heat food in good quality glassware. However, avoid decorative glass plates since the dyes and pigments used for the decorative colours and finish, may not be food grade. Even if there is a minute metallic trim and design on the glassware, it should be avoided. Paper towels or paper plates too are a safe bet to reheat food. If using ceramic ware, you need to check these first by heating them when they are empty.
