5 Signs You Should Throw Away Your Plastic Food Storage Containers

Plastic meals storage containers are generally utilized in virtually each kitchen. Whereas plastic containers aren’t the best choice, they’re nonetheless fashionable as they’re budget-friendly, light-weight and assist organise your fridge higher. However like all the things else, they do not final endlessly. Over time, plastic can degrade, soak up odours, and even develop into unsafe for meals storage. Even when you love that previous 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.

Additionally Learn: Why You Should Never Throw Away Food Delivery Boxes Without Doing This First

Right here Are 5 Indicators You Ought to Throw Away Your Plastic Containers

1. They Are Cracked

In case your plastic container appears bent or out of practice, has seen cracks, or would 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 troublesome to scrub correctly. Plus, a broken meals container might leak or fail to maintain your meals contemporary, destroying the entire function of storage.

2. They Have Cussed Stains

Have you ever ever seen how some plastic containers have the color and scent of previous meals? In case 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. Whereas 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 Does not Match Correctly

A unfastened or lacking lid destroys the entire function of a storage container. In case your container’s lid is cracked or bent or would not shut prefer it used to, it will not create an hermetic seal. This implies your meals is extra prone to spoil rapidly or would possibly even spill within the fridge. As an alternative of utilizing random lids in containers, attempt to put money into a contemporary set that seals correctly.

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4. They Are Extra Than 5 Years Outdated

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. In case your plastic meals storage containers are greater than 5 years previous, it’s best to examine them for any put on and tear. Even when they appear nice, switching to newer containers is the only option.

5. They Aren’t BPA-Free

In case your containers are constituted of 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. Verify the recycling code on the underside of the container the place it would point out if the product is BPA-free or not!

Additionally Learn: How To Clean Plastic Food Containers Using Common Kitchen Ingredients

Please observe: The following pointers are to keep away from utilizing spoiled plastic containers that are dangerous to well being. Nonetheless, in response to the Paediatric Environmental Well being Speciality Unit US, plastic comprises two chemical substances – Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which assist preserve 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. Each are reproductive hormones and have an effect on reproductive well being and in addition have an effect on the expansion and growth of kids.