October 1, 2024
Nope. Not climate change or microplastics. Not this time.
According to a new study reported by the Washington Post, of the 14,000 chemicals used in food processing and packaging, 3,601 leach into our food and end up in our bodies. These compounds are found in plastic wraps, coated paper and hard plastics. Many of them are harmful, including metals, volatile organic compounds, PFAS and phthalates, and some can disrupt hormones or cause cancer.
Foods kept in small plastic containers — such as single-serving salad dressing or soy sauce packets — are more likely to absorb chemicals, because more of the food is in contact with the plastic. And high temperatures can cause the chemicals to pass from plastic to food more quickly, so scientists recommend microwaving a frozen meal on a plate rather than in the tub it came in.
Packaging made from recycled paper is actually worse than plastic, because it often contains non-food grade inks that transfer to the food.