How Safe Is Your Tupperware?

Plastic food containers like Tupperware are common, but their safety is questionable. Here’s what you need to know:

• Chemical leaching and microplastic contamination are key concerns
• Heat, damage, and age increase risks
• Safer plastics have recycling codes 2, 4, and 5
• Avoid plastics with codes 3, 6, and 7
• Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are safer alternatives

Quick comparison of food storage options:

To use plastic containers safely:

• Don’t heat food in them
• Replace if damaged or old
• Use for short-term storage only
• Store in cool, dry place

2. Health Risks of Plastic Containers

Plastic food containers can pose health risks. Let’s look at these risks to help you make better choices about food storage.

2.1 Chemical Leaching

Some plastics release harmful chemicals into food:

• BPA (Bisphenol A) can cause:
  • Fertility problems
  • Changes in fetal growth
  • Heart issues
  • ADHD
• Phthalates make plastics tougher but can:
  • Disrupt hormones
  • Be higher in people who eat lots of fast food

Chemicals leak more when containers are:

• Heated (like in microwaves)
• Holding acidic foods
• Washed often in dishwashers or scrubbed hard

2.2 Microplastic Risks

Tiny bits of plastic can get into food from containers:

These small plastics can:

• Enter the blood
• Possibly cause cancer-like problems in humans and animals

2.3 Bacteria in Damaged Containers

Old or scratched containers can grow harmful germs:

• Scratches give germs places to hide
• Changed color often means the plastic is breaking down

To lower these risks:

• Check containers often
• Throw away scratched or discolored ones
• Try using glass or metal containers instead

3. Types of Plastic in Food Storage

Let’s look at the different plastics used for food containers and what you need to know about them.

3.1 Main Plastics Used for Food Containers

Here are the most common plastics you’ll find in food storage:

3.2 Understanding Recycling Codes

Recycling codes help you know what plastic you’re using:

Look for these numbers inside a triangle on the bottom of your containers.

3.3 Comparing Plastic Types

Here’s how different plastics stack up:

For the safest food storage, pick containers made of HDPE, LDPE, or PP. Stay away from PVC and PS. Be careful with containers marked “7” or “Other” – they might have harmful chemicals.

4. What Affects Container Safety

Several things can make plastic food containers less safe. Let’s look at what these are and how to use containers more safely.

4.1 Heat Effects

Heat can make plastic containers less safe:

To stay safe:

• Use glass or ceramic for microwaving
• Wash plastic by hand with warm water and mild soap

4.2 Container Age and Wear

Old or worn containers can be less safe:

• Chemicals can leak more as plastic breaks down
• Scratches can hide germs

Look out for:

• Color changes
• Scratches
• Changes in how the plastic feels

Replace containers that show these signs.

4.3 Food Types Stored

Some foods can make plastic less safe:

Tips:

• Use glass or metal for acidic or fatty foods
• Don’t put hot food in plastic

4.4 Storage Conditions

How you store containers matters:

For safer storage:

• Keep containers in a cool, dry place out of the sun
• Use plastic for short-term storage only
• Try glass or metal for long-term storage

5. Safer Food Storage Options

Many people are looking for safer ways to store food as they worry about plastic containers. Let’s look at how to use plastic containers more safely and some other options that might be better for your health.

5.1 Using Plastic Containers Safely

If you still use plastic containers, here are some tips to make them safer:

• Don’t heat food in plastic containers, especially in the microwave
• Wash plastic containers by hand with warm water and mild soap
• Replace containers that look old, scratched, or changed in color
• Use plastic containers only for short-term storage, especially for acidic or fatty foods
• Keep plastic containers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight

It’s best to slowly switch to safer options even if you follow these tips.

5.2 Non-Plastic Options

Here are some good choices instead of plastic:

Glass containers are good for many uses. They don’t soak up food smells or tastes, and you can use them in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven (if they’re made for it).

Stainless steel containers are strong and don’t rust. They’re great for keeping leftovers and packing lunches, but you can’t use them in the microwave.

Silicone bags are a good swap for plastic bags. You can use them in the freezer and dishwasher, making them handy for many storage needs.

Ceramic containers look nice and are strong. You can use them in the microwave and oven, but like glass, they’re heavy and can break.

When picking new containers, think about how you’ll use them. Slowly changing from plastic to these safer options can help lower health risks while still giving you easy ways to store food.

6. Checking Your Tupperware

It’s important to check your Tupperware often to keep your food safe. Here’s how to do it:

6.1 Signs of Wear

Look for these things when checking your containers:

• Cracks or scratches
• Color changes
• Warping (container and lid don’t fit well)
• Smells that won’t go away
• Sticky or odd-feeling surfaces

If you see these signs, it’s time to get new containers.

6.2 Spotting Unsafe Plastics

To find out if your plastic containers are safe:

1. Look for a number (1-7) in the recycling symbol on the bottom
2. Safe numbers: 2, 4, and 5
3. Avoid numbers: 3, 6, and 7
4. Don’t reuse containers with number 1

Be extra careful with containers over 10 years old. They might not be as safe as newer ones.

6.3 Replacing Old Containers

Here’s how to switch to safer containers:

1. Start with the oldest and most worn-out ones
2. Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic instead of plastic
3. Replace a few each month to spread out the cost
4. Recycle old plastic containers if you can
5. Buy good quality new containers that will last longer

Don’t worry if you can’t replace everything at once. Just take it step by step.

7. Wrap-up

7.1 Main Points

Here are the key things to remember about plastic food containers:

• They can break down over time and release harmful chemicals into food
• The safest plastic types have recycling codes 1, 2, 4, and 5
• Avoid containers with codes 3, 6, and 7
• Heat, age, and wear make containers less safe
• Check your containers often and replace old ones

7.2 Smart Choices

To keep your food storage safe:

1. Look for signs of wear on your containers
2. Try using glass, stainless steel, or ceramic instead of plastic
3. If you use plastic, pick safer types and don’t heat food in them
4. Replace single-use containers quickly
5. Use glass or ceramic for microwaving

Making better choices about food storage can help keep you healthy. You don’t have to change everything at once. Start with the containers you use most and slowly switch to safer options.

FAQs

Is Tupperware still safe to use?

Tupperware made after March 2010 in the US and Canada doesn’t have BPA. Older Tupperware might have BPA or other harmful chemicals. It’s best to:

• Check when your Tupperware was made
• Replace old items with newer, safer ones

Should I avoid plastic Tupperware?

New Tupperware is safer, but it’s good to be careful with all plastic food containers. They can leak chemicals into food, especially when hot or with acidic foods. Consider using:

Should I throw away my old Tupperware?

Replace plastic containers when you see:

• Chips or cracks
• Stains
• Bad smells

There’s no set time to replace them, but do it often. Glass or stainless steel containers are safer choices.

Does plastic leak into food from containers?

Yes, chemicals from plastic can get into food and drinks. This happens more when:

• The container is heated
• The food is fatty

To lower risks:

• Don’t heat food in plastic
• Use glass or ceramic for microwaving

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