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Plastic Containers: Chemical Exposure Risks in Food

Consumer Reports has been raising concerns about chemical exposure from plastics. Dangerous chemicals have been found in children’s toys for over a decade, as highlighted in a 2013 article from CBS News, but what about our foods?

Plastic Containers Leech Chemicals into Food

Have you ever left an unopened plastic water bottle in a hot car and noticed it tasted strange later? Food and beverages sold in glass or aluminum containers usually taste better, especially when you compare the same product in different containers. This isn’t the case if the can is coated with a plastic liner, as we discussed in our post on petrochemicals.

CBS news published an article last week discussing a new study on chemicals migrating into our food from plastic containers. Consumer Reports tested over 85 different foods for harmful plastic chemicals. Phthalates, chemicals linked to hormonal disruptions and other serious diseases, were found in many products, including Green Giant, Progresso, Yoplait, Cheerios, and Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli. The highest concentration of these chemicals were found in Annie’s Homegrown organic pasta.

Last year, I bought organic apple juice from Sprouts. I tried to give it to my daughter on two occasions, but she would sip it, make a face, and then refuse it. When I tried it, I instantly spit it out because it tasted like chemicals. The container was made from Plastic #1, which is known to leach chemicals easily. Having worked in multiple grocery stores, I can guarantee that most shelf-stable products get heated during transit. There are no regulations, laws, or policies that require plastics to be shipped with temperature controls unless the product requires refrigeration or freezing.

FDA Safety Assessments of Plastics in Food Packaging

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducts safety assessments on plastics to minimize potential health risks to consumers. The FDA requires extensive toxicological data to evaluate the potential health risks associated with plastic food contact substances (FCS), including studies on:

  • Carcinogenicity: Determining if the substances cause cancer.

  • Reproductive Toxicity: Assessing impacts on reproductive health and development.

  • Long-Term Health Effects: Evaluating chronic exposure risks.

The FDA also assesses risk by evaluating the estimated dietary exposure to these substances. The FDA establishes the following:

  • Migration Limits: How much of the substance is allowed to migrate from the packaging into food.

  • Use Conditions: The types of food the packaging will contact and how it will be used (e.g., temperature conditions).

The FDA aims to ensure that plastics in food packaging do not pose significant health risks, but they rarely seem to be the organization that initially identifies the potential health risk of anything related to the petrochemical industry. You can find a list of the allowable amount of various indirect food additives, including plastic chemicals, on the FDA website.

Finding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for Food Containers

Each manufacturer uses different chemicals in their plastics. To know the exact information, you need the MSDS for the plastic used in the manufacturing process. To obtain an MSDS, follow these steps:

  1. Contact the Manufacturer:

    • Visit the brand’s official website (e.g., Kraft Heinz or Coca-Cola) and use their “Contact Us” or “Customer Support” section to request the MSDS for PET.

  2. Reach Out to Suppliers:

    • Identify and contact the suppliers or distributors of PET resin used by these companies, often mentioned in their sustainability reports.

  3. Use Online Databases:

    • If you know the chemical information, search an MSDS online database like ChemSafetyPro.

  4. Check with Regulatory Agencies:

    • Contact agencies like OSHA or ECHA for public access to MSDS documents.

  5. Consult Industry Associations:

    • Reach out to associations like the Plastics Industry Association for resources and contacts.

  6. Review Company Reports:

    • Look through the company’s sustainability or environmental reports, which may reference safety data sheets.

Chart of plastic types and the products they are used in

Temperature Ranges for Common Plastics

Different types of plastics have varying recommended temperature ranges to ensure safety and avoid potential health risks. The information provided below is an estimate. Temperature ranges may vary depending upon the manufacturer. The 7 types of plastic and their respective temperature guidelines are reviewed below:

Plastic #1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)

  • Ideal Temperature Range: -40°F to 140°F

  • Makes up a majority of the plastics containers that package our shelf-stable food items. It is not suitable for high-temperature applications; avoid microwaving or hot liquids.

Plastic #2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

  • Ideal Temperature Range: -148°F to 248°F

  • Generally safe for cold and warm food storage; not recommended for direct heating or boiling.

Plastic #3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  • Ideal Temperature Range: -4°F to 140°F

  • Contains plasticizers and stabilizers that can leach out; avoid using with high temperatures.

Plastic #4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

  • Ideal Temperature Range: -58°F to 176°F

  • Suitable for cold storage and room temperature; not ideal for high-heat applications.

Plastic #5: Polypropylene (PP)

  • Ideal Temperature Range: -4°F to 248°F

  • Safe for microwaving and hot foods; one of the safer plastics for high-temperature use.

Plastic #6: Polystyrene (PS)

  • Ideal Temperature Range: -40°F to 194°F

  • Avoid microwaving; can release styrene, a potential carcinogen, at higher temperatures.

Plastic #7: Other

  • Polycarbonate (PC)

    • Ideal Temperature Range: -40°F to 248°F

    • Can release bisphenol A (BPA) at high temperatures; safer alternatives are recommended.

  • Polylactic Acid (PLA)

    • Ideal Temperature Range: -4°F to 122°F

    • Suitable for cold and moderate temperatures; not for hot foods or beverages.

The inside of a car can heat up significantly even on a relatively mild day. These extreme temperatures can have detrimental effects on anything left inside the vehicle, including food and beverages. Based on the information below, items stored in plastic #1 would be compromised after 1 hour when left inside an unrefrigerated, unventilated vehicle at 95°F. 

Dataset for interior vehicle temperature versus elapsed time

Recommendations for Plastic Use

When possible, opt for glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic materials for hot food and beverages. If you need to use plastic, always follow these recommendations to reduce the chance of chemical exposure when using plastic food packaging and containers:

  • Avoid High Temperatures: To prevent the leaching of harmful chemicals, do not expose plastics to temperatures beyond their safe range, particularly in microwaves or dishwashers.

  • Check Your Containers & Labels: Always know what type of plastic you are using. Look for BPA-free labels.

  • Never reuse plastic #1: It harbors bacteria and degrades into the contents.

Keep Yourself Informed

Due to increasing global temperatures, it’s essential to regulate and monitor food transportation and storage conditions. Heat exposure during the supply chain process highlights a significant public health concern that demands more stringent oversight and consumer awareness.

Join the Fight Against Plasticizers

Consumer Reports has a petition on their website titled “Annie’s: Plastic chemicals in organic?” They are asking General Mills to immediately “take the necessary steps to monitor and eliminate the presence of these chemicals across all of your brands.”

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