A growing concern over plastic food containers

By Eileen Renders

Many of us have lived long enough to see such changes as refrigerators replacing Ice Boxes, Wringer washing machines have been replaced with automatic laundry machines, and cell phones replacing landlines. Food additives and food preservatives extend a processed food’s shelf life, and more.

Today, health-conscious individuals have become more educated regarding healthy foods, and other foods that carry a risk to one’s health when consumed in excess. An article by Joseph Pizzorno on Integrative Medicine in 2024 has provided information regarding plastics, plasticizers, intentional additives, and inadvertent contaminants.

Pizzorno states, “Plastic food containers are asserted to be safe, and the resin used in their manufacture is assigned a number to help understand their recyclability. These containers are not inert (unchanged), and leach varying levels of metals and chemicals into foods they store, especially if subjected to elevated temperatures.”

Speaking of temperatures, it would therefore not be wise to microwave foods we thought to be healthy in a microwave.

As a Speaker, Pizzorno shares what most people ask him after a Lecture. They ask, “Everything is in plastic. Are any of them safe?” Pizzorno explains that while plastics have indeed proven useful in many applications, ever-growing research shows that the body load of most plastic components directly correlates with many chronic diseases. The research is also showing that the problem is more than just the plasticizers in food storage wraps and storage containers as many other chemicals found in food containers can contaminate the food.

The list of chemicals found in containers that leak into food is immense, most of which, has had no research.

The research on the many types of plastic containers, what type of plasticizers are used, and their toxicity levels have not yet been determined.

Recommendations:

• Store your leftovers in bowls, rather than plastic
• Avoid wrapping food in plastic
• Do not microwave food in plastic containers
• Be aware that plastic containers may cause toxins to leak into the food contained in these plastic containers.
• hen possible, purchase fresh vegetables, rather than those contained in a plastic bag
• Keep up with research on plasticizers and their potential damage to one’s health

Disclaimer: The information contained in articles by Eileen Renders is not meant to become a substitute for one’s physician’s recommendations; they are for educational purposes only. Drugs, herbs, and or supplements are often contraindicated with certain other medications and conditions.