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I have previously written about Bisphenol A (BPA) in aluminum cans. Readers, though, have had questions about BPA and phthalates (possible endocrine disruptors) in plastic wrap and plastic storage containers, since the leaching of BPA into food is of major concern.Thankfully, BPA and phthalates are not found in the major national brands, according to the brands' websites.
Says Clorox, the maker of Glad products:
"Glad food containers, wraps, and storage bags and other food contact products are not made of phthalates or polycarbonate. Nor is Bisphenol A (BPA) used as a raw material in their production. For more information, you can read our official statement here."And this from SC Johnson, the maker of Saran and Ziploc products:
"SC Johnson does not use BPA in its plastic products, Ziploc® brand bags and containers, and Saran™ brand wraps.I would be wary, though, of discount brands and the food-service plastic wraps and containers that many supermarkets and convenience stores use to wrap and store food.
"Our Saran™ and Ziploc® products do not contain harmful plasticizers, including those associated with endocrine disruption such as adipates (DEHA) or phthalates (DEHP)."
Rob, do you know about BPA in the plastic (heat sealed) packaging used for school lunches? For instance, the pizza is in a plastic "bag" in which the food is reheated for service. I've been thinking about this since I volunteered in a local kindergarten class.
ReplyDeleteHeather,
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is that BPA is very commonplace in these food service applications. However, the only way to absolutely know for sure is to ask the maker of the packaging. Unfortunately, that's not possible sometimes, so following the precautionary principle may be in order.
Thanks, Rob. That makes sense.
ReplyDeleteIt just makes me so sad to think of the thousands of kids that are eating crap possibly packaged in poison every day, sometimes twice a day. And our tax dollars subsidize it.
BPA is not present in most of the plastic cling wrap is because the main function of BPA is to ensure the plastic remains clear for as long as possible. This is why BPA exist in plastic bottles but not plastic wrap.
ReplyDeleteBottles are exposed much longer time in supermarkets shelf and they need to remains clear. If the plastic bottle turns cloudy, you might think this is an old bottle and cease buying it.
As for plastic wrap/cling, they are stored in their box prior to use, hence are protected. You wouldn't be using the plastic wrap/cling for long time either. For most people they will throw it away after they unwrap their sandwich.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteGreat information, thanks!
Depending on the kind of plastic products to be made, different plastic production processes are applied. There are three or more types of processes applied for plastic manufacturing, according to the product requirements: injection molding, plastic extrusion molding and thermoforming.
ReplyDeleteThanks for ssharing this
ReplyDelete