Plastic containers have always been among the ubiquitous objects in any kitchen: more sustainable than disposable containers, they are lightweight and easy to store both in the refrigerator and pantry, practical for transporting food, and useful in many ways. But did you know that over time they could become dangerous? This is due to the dispersion of microplastics following the container's wear and tear, but above all, the possible presence of a chemical substance harmful to your health. This doesn't mean you have to banish plastic containers from your kitchen, just learn how to best treat them to minimize risks and learn to recognize when it's time to replace them with new ones: we'll explain everything you need to know to continue using plastic containers completely safely.
Do Plastic Containers Last Forever?
Plastic is a very durable material, but that doesn't mean it lasts forever. With its many uses, the thermal shocks it's often subjected to, and overly aggressive washing, it can deteriorate. When this happens, you need to be very careful: a deteriorated plastic container is no longer safe and would be best thrown away and replaced with new ones.
This is because when a container is no longer intact but, for example, has chips, it could release microplastics and nanoplastics into the food you store inside, elements that are dangerous to your body. Inside these tiny particles, so small you can't even see them with the naked eye, lurk the components of plastic, chemicals that can be truly harmful.
The most dangerous of all is bisphenol A, abbreviated to BPA, a substance widely used in industry that is mainly employed in the production of polycarbonate plastics (widely used for their transparency, thermal and mechanical resistance properties), used in food containers but also in everyday objects such as thermal receipt paper and dental devices, metal bottles and water pipes.
Several studies—mostly experimental, but also a growing number of epidemiological—have highlighted how BPA has negative and dangerous effects on many aspects of our health. In particular, it appears to act as an endocrine disruptor (ED), meaning it can interfere with the body's hormonal system and reproductive function, as well as damage the immune system, the endocrine system, and cause allergic skin reactions.
In the United States, concerns about BPA (bisphenol A) have also drawn attention from federal regulators, particularly the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While the FDA maintains that BPA is safe at the low levels currently permitted in food packaging, it acknowledges that the chemical can migrate from certain plastics and epoxy resin can linings into food and beverages — especially when containers are exposed to high heat, repeated use, or physical damage. BPA has already been removed from baby bottles and infant formula packaging, and many manufacturers have voluntarily shifted to BPA-free materials in response to consumer concern. Scientists continue to study long-term exposure because BPA is considered an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone function, and migration is more likely when materials are scratched, worn, or heated.
So, back to our plastic containers: when you start to notice that they're discolored, with lots of tiny holes or scratches, it's time to change them, because it means there's an interaction between the food and the plastic, and the container's material is deteriorating. As we've explained, it's precisely wear and tear that makes it easier for microplastics to detach and then come into contact with the food we eat.
How to Check That Plastic Containers Are Safe
In the United States, there has not been a sweeping federal ban on BPA in all food contact materials, but regulation has tightened in specific areas. The FDA has prohibited the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant formula packaging, and many major manufacturers have voluntarily removed it from products marketed to children. Several states, including California, have also adopted stricter rules or warning requirements under consumer protection laws. BPA has largely been phased out of thermal paper receipts by many retailers, though alternatives are not always BPA-free. For consumers, one practical safeguard is checking the recycling code on the bottom of plastic containers: plastics marked with recycling codes 3 (PVC) and 7 (other) have historically been more likely to contain BPA, whereas glass, stainless steel, and clearly labeled BPA-free plastics are generally considered safer options for food storage — especially when heat is involved.
You've probably noticed it many times: it's a small triangle with a number from 1 to 7 inside, along with some abbreviations. The numbers identify the various polymers that make up the specific material for recycling purposes, but they're also useful for understanding the material's safety; typically, 2, 4, and 5 are the types of plastic considered food-safe and can even be reused as food containers.
If we're talking about containers you already had in your pantry, they may contain BPA, so what we explained applies: check them for signs of deterioration and, if they're too damaged, throw them away and replace them with newer, safer ones. In general, the recommendation is not to use plastic containers for more than 10 years after purchasing them.
What to Do to Extend the Life of Plastic Containers
Given the scientific evidence reported, it's important to learn how to best treat your plastic containers to slow down their deterioration and thus ensure they last as long as possible. First of all, handwash them and avoid putting them in the dishwasher: the high temperatures of the appliance could negatively affect the plastic's shelf life.
If you absolutely must put them in the dishwasher, use the top rack, which gets less hot than the bottom rack, but in any case, hand washing is preferable. In this case, use hot water and soft or microfiber sponges and wash the containers as soon as possible to prevent the food from drying out and becoming more difficult to remove, potentially risking scratching the container.
Plastic is sensitive to thermal shock, which is why if you're handling hot foods, let them cool before placing them in plastic containers. Wait until everything is completely cold before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer, if necessary. This also applies to containers you put in the microwave: some studies have highlighted a correlation between heating plastic food containers in the microwave and the release (and dispersion) of microplastics. Therefore, pay attention to the warnings on container labels when they specify not to heat the packages above 195°F/90°C to avoid food risks, or not to heat them for too long in the microwave.
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