Plastic utensils such as food containers, plastic dishes are very convenient because they are lightweight and difficult to break, especially when there are young children in the house. However, don’t think that plastic containers that are not suitable for use when cracked can still be used. In fact, plastic utensils expire much earlier because they can release plastic particles, harmful additives that affect health, and even cause cancer.
Therefore, even though they still seem to be good for storage, you should still replace them after a period of use, especially when you see the following signs:
The lid is hard to close
When the lid is difficult to close as it was originally, it indicates that it has deteriorated and deformed. At that time, plastic items can release toxins into the body, especially when you store hot items. Therefore, when you see this sign, you should replace it. If you use them to store food and they can no longer be tightly closed, bacteria can enter and spoil the food.
The plastic container is discolored or cracked
When they are discolored and cracked with many scratches, it indicates that they have produced toxins and should no longer be used. When the container is discolored, it indicates that the dye will seep into the food. When exposed to high temperatures, they become even more harmful. So avoid using them when they show this sign.
Plastic utensils are very convenient and cute, but when buying, you should limit choosing colorful ones and use colorless ones, which is safer for your health.
The plastic container has a strange smell
When you first buy a plastic container, it often has a strange smell that needs to be thoroughly washed. But after a period of use, if they still have a strange smell, it indicates that they have deteriorated or are no longer suitable for storing hot food. This will affect the health of your family. Moreover, plastic containers that are scratched after use can harbor bacteria in the scratches, causing an odor.
The plastic container has many scratches
The scratches in the plastic container can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria to develop, which can then be transmitted to your food. Mold in the scratches of a plastic container is very dangerous.
When using them, avoid using sharp objects to clean the plastic container to prevent scratching it. If the scratches are deep and numerous, be cautious when using it.
The plastic container has mold inside
If the rubber seal on the plastic container is moldy or there is mold inside, you should limit its use. This mold can be extremely dangerous and harmful to the liver, so don’t hesitate to spend money on buying plastic containers only to end up spending more money on treatment.
The plastic container has peeling plastic film
During production, many plastic containers have a protective film that can peel off after a period of use. At that time, you should absolutely not use them anymore.
Plastic containers may have a long lifespan in terms of shape, but in terms of safety, they no longer have any efficacy and have become unsafe even if their shape is intact.
Therefore, when using plastic containers, avoid using them for too long. On average, each type of plastic container should only be used for about 3 years. Or when there are signs as mentioned above, you should also throw them away to avoid harming your health.
Dangers of Microwaving Certain Foods
Many of us rely on microwaves to quickly prepare meals or snacks, but caution must be taken as some foods can be dangerous to health when heated in this appliance. Breast milk, broccoli, defrosted fruit, and other items should not be placed in microwaves, so it’s important to educate oneself on which foods are safe for use in this appliance.
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