Things to keep in mind when using plastic food containers.

(Baonghean.vn) - Currently, the market is flooded with plastic food containers of unknown origin, often handcrafted and without quality control. This could pose a health risk to consumers.This is due to unsanitary production practices and the use of recycled plastic with many harmful additives and dyes.

You should choose a rigid, white, inorganic plastic container.

We should use food containers made of inorganic plastic because this type of plastic is generally less toxic than organic plastic. To distinguish between the two types of plastic, you can hold them up to the sunlight; organic plastic will still allow sunlight to pass through, while inorganic plastic will not.

It's important to pay attention to the hardness and color of plastic food containers. Hard, white plastic containers are generally safer. This is because flexible, brightly colored plastics are more prone to deformation or leaching chemicals and dyes at high temperatures, which can significantly affect health and cause dangerous diseases.

Do not reuse thin plastic bottles and containers.

According to expert research, soft drink bottles and thin plastic containers are often made from disposable plastic. Over time, with repeated use and exposure to sunlight and high temperatures, chemicals, additives, and colorants used in the manufacturing process can leach into the beverage and pose health risks.

Bottles and containers made from this type of plastic are difficult to clean thoroughly because they are porous and easily absorb fragrances and bacteria during use.

Avoid using plastic containers for hot food.

When using plastic containers to hold hot food, especially at temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius, monostyrene (a toxic substance) in the plastic is released and seeps into the food. This causes serious damage to the liver and leads to many dangerous health problems.

You should absolutely not use plastic containers to hold food when microwaving. The high temperatures in the microwave can cause harmful substances from the plastic to leach into the food, causing serious harm. Furthermore, the combination of fats in the food with synthetic plastic can create dioxins, which are very dangerous to health.

* The symbols on the bottom of plastic bottles are important to know to avoid poisoning.

These symbols contain important information because each type of plastic contains chemicals that can cause varying degrees of harm to health. Below is a summary of 7 commonly used types of plastic and the meaning of their symbols.

Number 1 - PET, also known as PETE

PET plastic (short for polyethylene terephthalate) is one of the most commonly used types of plastic for household products, such as mineral water bottles, soft drink bottles, beer bottles, and packaging.

This symbol indicates a type of plastic intended for single use only. Reusing it can increase the risk of leaching heavy metals and chemicals from its composition. These substances can affect the body's hormonal balance.

Number 2 - HDP or HDPE

HDP stands for high-density thermoplastic, a type of plastic used to manufacture rigid plastic containers such as milk bottles, detergent bottles, cooking oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags.

This type of plastic does not release any harmful substances; therefore, experts often recommend choosing HDP bottles when shopping because they are considered the safest of all.

Number 3 - PVC or 3V

PVC is a soft and flexible plastic used to manufacture transparent food packaging, cooking oil bottles, toys, and many other products. While PVC is quite common, it contains two toxic chemicals that affect body hormones. This substance can release toxins at high temperatures, so it is only permitted for storing food or beverages below 81 degrees Celsius.

Number 4 - LDPE

LDPE is a low-density thermoplastic polymer commonly found in noodle containers, frozen food containers, shopping bags, and pastry shells. Products containing this material should not be heated in a microwave or at high temperatures as this will release chemicals.

Number 5 - PP

PP is a white or nearly transparent plastic used to make yogurt cups, syrup cups, or coffee cups. It is durable and lightweight, and can withstand temperatures up to 160°C. PP also offers excellent resistance to moisture and grease.

Number 6 - PS

PS is a lightweight plastic found in the packaging of some fast food containers, drinking cups, egg cartons, and picnic cutlery. While it has considerable heat and cold resistance, it can release toxic substances at high temperatures, such as in a microwave oven. Furthermore, it should not be used to store strong acids or alkalis. Therefore, this type of plastic is not permitted for long-term food and beverage storage.

Number 7 - PC or no symbol

PC is widely used, especially for making milk bottles and disposable cups. Products made from this type of plastic contain BPA, which is very dangerous and can break down into carcinogenic substances.

This type of plastic contains bisphenol-A (BPA). This substance can leach into food and have adverse health effects such as altered immune system function, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, infertility, etc. Therefore, it should absolutely not be used or reused in any form.

symbols on plastic bottles

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)