Many foods use custom plastic food container for storage. In fact, plastic containers are more economical, waterproof, lightweight and flexible. But of all amenities, there are those who believe that using plastic as a container for food or beverages has negative health effects. is this real?

custom plastic food container

Plastic Content and Its Effects on the Body

Of all plastic materials, there are two ingredients that are often used as research materials because they are believed to have negative health effects, namely BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates. Adding these two ingredients to plastic makes it more transparent, stiff and flexible.

Many questions about the safety of BPA have led researchers to investigate these chemicals. The study concluded that the two chemicals can mimic the function and structure of the hormone estrogen when it enters the body. Due to its ability, BPA can bind to estrogen receptors and affect bodily processes.

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

However, despite extensive research, BPA safety has not yet been demonstrated to have a significant impact in humans. Because the completed study was tested with rodent samples only.

Identify a Food-safe Plastic Container

Removing plastic materials from our lives can be very difficult. Therefore, if you want to use plastic containers to store or replace food, you need to know the safety of the plastic used by looking at the recycling code number printed on the plastic container.

The guidelines are as follows:

Type 1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

This custom plastic food container usually bears the PET symbol, which means it can only be used once. Although it does not contain BPA or phthalates, the antimony that this type contains may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in humans. This type of plastic container is usually found in juice bottles or jam jars.

Type 2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

These custom plastic food container usually have the logo of HDPE, they are safe and contain high density polyethylene, which makes the plastic relatively rigid. This type of plastic container is often found in milk bottles.

Type 3: Polyvinyl Chloride (V)

The custom plastic food container usually has the symbol V and contains phthalates. Commonly found in juice bottles, edible oils and food packaging, it appears clear, flexible and relatively hard.

Type 4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

These custom plastic food container usually bear the symbol LDPE and are mainly found in food packaging or condiments that are easy to squeeze and solvent resistant.

Type 5: Polypropylene (PP)

These custom plastic food container usually bear the PP symbol and are found mainly in yogurt, beverage bottles and soy sauce because polypropylene does not release chemicals into food or liquids.

Type 7: Polycarbonate (PC)

These plastic containers usually bear a PC or other symbol and can be found in gallon water bottles. This plastic container contains BPA, avoid repeated use of this container.

Can you heat food in plastic containers?

Also note the use of heated plastic containers. A heated plastic container causes the plastic to release carbon dioxide, a cancer-causing chemical, according to Health Harvard Edu. Especially suitable for foods such as meat and cheese. These foods tend to be more likely to absorb harmful chemicals in plastic containers.

So, is it not allowed to heat food in plastic containers?

The researchers assessed how many containers were allowed to be heated inside the microwave, reducing about 100-1000 times per 0.4 kg of body weight. In addition, only containers that have passed the test and have a writing or icon microwave are safe for use in microwaves.

What about those containers without icons? Is microwave safe? The researchers also said that the container is not always unsafe, as even the BPOM (FDA) in the United States has not determined whether each container is safe if used in microwaves.

How to Reduce Exposure to Hazardous Materials in Plastic Containers

The best step you can take right now is to reduce its use, even if research has not been proven. For example, when food in a plastic container needs to be heated, it should be replaced with a container made of heat-resistant ceramic.

Also, avoid repeated use of other plastic containers, especially Type 1 and 7 plastic containers, and then avoid direct contact with food in shopping bags made of plastic.

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