Plastics that are used in storing food have what do you call
Resin Identification System (number surrounded by arrows)
seals of what kind of
plastics. The safer plastic containers have the number '
1' (for
polyethylene terephthalate or
PETE), number '
2' (for
high density polyethylene or
HDPE), number '
4' (for
low density polyethylene or
LDPE), and number '
5' (for
polypropylene or
PP). Don't use plastics with number '7' (or polycarbonate). Polycarbonate plastics have
bisphenol A (
BPA) which studies have shown damage the reproductive systems of lab animals. BPA has been linked to prostate and breast cancers because they can copy human hormone '
estrogen'. Common items that have BPA are food storage containers, baby bottles, water bottles, tableware and the lining inside food and drink cans. Dispose old plastic containers/bottles. Plastics tend to leach more toxins as they age. Be careful on giving or storing hot cooked foods or fatty foods on plastics containers since these more readily facilitate the transfer of toxins. Don’t microwave foods to be heated using plastic containers. ‘Microwave Safe’ means plastics will not melt or bend when heated. Heating plastics increases the potential for leaching
chemicals. Never microwave food in yogurt tubs, takeout bowls or other one-time-use containers as these will melt when put in a microwave. And don’t regularly use plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap products, if you really needed to put plastic wraps on your food just take notice that it should have non-BPA and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Ziploc,
Glad and
Saran are promoted as being free of BPA and PVC. If you ever buy cheese or sliced meat products and placed in plastic bags or plastic deli wrap, transfer it as soon as possible to unbleached wax paper or a safe container. Glass and ceramic containers are much safer to use than plastic containers. Store foods in bowls covered with a plate. And for pregnant or nursing women should always remember that BPA chemicals are passed through their blood stream directly to their baby.