When visiting the grocery store, it is obvious that almost all foods are either pre-packaged in plastic or become packaged in plastic before leaving the store. Indeed, plastics make excellent sanitary food storage that preserves food and makes it easier for transport. However, the ubiquitous use of plastics for food storage comes with health implications as well as a steep impact on the environment.
Plastic food contact materials (also known as FCMs) continue to be extensively studied in the European Union. At least 60 chemical substances have been identified as ‘migrant substances’ that can be found in plastic food storage, including aldehydes, bisphenol A, ketones, phthalates, and acrylates. Phthalates can easily migrate out of plastic food preparation gloves and food storage containers. One study specifically measured the amount of phthalates in fast food and concluded that these chemicals are most likely abundant in all fast foods, including hamburgers, burritos, and cheese pizza.
Plastic FCMs have been shown to impact human health and may be associated with an array of chronic diseases. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to give hardness to plastics and is a known endocrine disruptor that also has implications in heart disease and type II diabetes. An article out of Spain looked at BPA and its ‘safer’ alternatives (BPF and BPS) and found that BPF and BPS may contribute to cardiovascular disease similarly to BPA.
Phthalates have been used since the 1930s and provide plastics with durability and elasticity. These chemical compounds are also ubiquitous in the environment and are known endocrine disruptors. Phthalates have the ability to disrupt metabolic functions, leading to the development of Type II Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, and Obesity. The mechanisms behind phthalate exposure and diabetes development are unclear. A few proposed mechanisms include an increase in oxidative stress that can lead to reduced insulin sensitivity as well as dysfunction to cells of the pancreas, reducing insulin production.
Since plastics and their residual chemicals are ubiquitous in our food chain and environment, it is impossible to completely avoid exposure. The best solution is to find creative ways to avoid plastic food storage and utensils as much as possible. One way is to replace plastic containers with Pyrex or glass. Another way is to replace plastic cooking utensils and cutting boards with wood. When cleaned properly, wooden utensils and boards will not harbor bacteria and other pathogens. It is also prudent to not microwave leftovers in plastic or run plastic through the dishwasher, as the heat can readily leach chemicals from the plastic directly into food.
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Author: Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
References:
Miralles P, Yusà V, Sanchís Y, Coscollà C. Determination of 60 Migrant Substances in Plastic Food Contact Materials by Vortex-Assisted Liquid-Liquid Extraction and GC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS. Molecules. 2021 Dec 16;26(24):7640. doi: 10.3390/molecules26247640. PMID: 34946722; PMCID: PMC8703817.
Edwards L, McCray NL, VanNoy BN, Yau A, Geller RJ, Adamkiewicz G, Zota AR. Phthalate and novel plasticizer concentrations in food items from U.S. fast food chains: a preliminary analysis. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2022 May;32(3):366-373. doi: 10.1038/s41370-021-00392-8. Epub 2021 Oct 27. PMID: 34702987; PMCID: PMC9119856.
Moreno-Gómez-Toledano R, Delgado-Marín M, Sánchez-Esteban S, Cook-Calvete A, Ortiz S, Bosch RJ, Saura M. Combination of Bisphenol A and Its Emergent Substitute Molecules Is Related to Heart Disease and Exerts a Differential Effect on Vascular Endothelium. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 29;24(15):12188. doi: 10.3390/ijms241512188. PMID: 37569562; PMCID: PMC10419022.
Mariana M, Cairrao E. The Relationship between Phthalates and Diabetes: A Review. Metabolites. 2023 Jun 11;13(6):746. doi: 10.3390/metabo13060746. PMID: 37367903; PMCID: PMC10301313.
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.