5 Signs You Should Throw Away Your Plastic Food Storage Containers

Plastic meals storage containers are generally utilized in nearly each kitchen. While plastic containers usually are not the best choice, they’re nonetheless fashionable as they’re budget-friendly, light-weight and assist organise your fridge higher. But like all the things else, they do not final endlessly. Over time, plastic can degrade, take in odours, and even grow to be unsafe for meals storage. Even for those who love that outdated plastic container that you just purchased for the primary time years in the past, holding onto worn-out containers can put your well being in danger and have an effect on the style of your meals. So, how are you aware it is time to discard these plastic containers? Let’s discover out.

Also Read: Why You Should Never Throw Away Food Delivery Boxes Without Doing This First

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Here Are 5 Signs You Should Throw Away Your Plastic Containers

1. They Are Cracked

If your plastic container seems bent or out of form, has seen cracks, or does not shut correctly, then it is time to say goodbye. The plastic container typically turns into twisted or bent when it’s repeatedly uncovered to warmth like in a microwave. Cracks and bends additionally harbour micro organism, making it tough to scrub correctly. Plus, a broken meals container might leak or fail to maintain your meals recent, destroying the entire function of storage.

2. They Have Stubborn Stains

Have you ever observed how some plastic containers have the color and scent of previous meals? If your container completely smells like curry or has an orange stain from masala-based dishes, it is a signal that the plastic has absorbed meals particles over time. While stains might not all the time imply the container is unsafe, lingering odours and discolouration imply that the plastic is breaking down. 

3. The Lid Doesn’t Fit Properly

A free or lacking lid destroys the entire function of a storage container. If your container’s lid is cracked or bent or does not shut prefer it used to, it will not create an hermetic seal. This means your meals is extra more likely to spoil shortly or would possibly even spill within the fridge. Instead of utilizing random lids in containers, try to spend money on a recent set that seals correctly.

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4. They Are More Than 5 Years Old

With frequent use and publicity to warmth, plastic degrades over time. Older containers might develop tiny scratches, which makes them a breeding floor for micro organism. If your plastic meals storage containers are greater than 5 years outdated, it’s best to examine them for any put on and tear. Even if they give the impression of being superb, switching to newer containers is the only option.

5. They Aren’t BPA-Free

If your containers are constructed from older plastic that are not BPA-free, it is best to discard them. BPA stands for bisphenol-A, a chemical present in some plastics that may leach into meals, particularly when heated. Many trendy containers are labelled BPA-free, which makes them safer for meals storage. Check the recycling code on the underside of the container the place it’d point out if the product is BPA-free or not!

Also Read: How To Clean Plastic Food Containers Using Common Kitchen Ingredients

Please be aware: These suggestions are to keep away from utilizing spoiled plastic containers that are dangerous to well being. However, in response to the Paediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit US, plastic accommodates two chemical substances – Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which assist hold the form of the containers. These substances are established as “endocrine disruptors”. Scientific proof factors out that these two compounds have an effect on the functioning of hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Both are reproductive hormones and have an effect on reproductive well being and in addition have an effect on the expansion and growth of youngsters.