Food grade plastic utensils. Is polypropylene in the form of pipes and utensils harmful to health and food? What does a triangle of three arrows mean on plastic containers?

IN summer period Plastic utensils are gaining popularity. It is quite convenient to transport food in it. As a rule, such things are used on long trips and on picnics. The undoubted advantage of such dishes is low cost. It's no secret that in most cases it is disposable. The quality of a dish can tell you a lot about its quality. After reading our article, you can easily determine what exactly the signs mean that are located on the bottom of a disposable plate or glass.

History of the creation of plastic tableware

Today, disposable plastic tableware is quite familiar to us. We use it as a lunch box or take it with us on a picnic. Does everyone know exactly when it appeared? You can find out this information in our article.

For the first time about plastic dishes learned in the United States of America in 1910. The first to be created was a disposable glass, and then they began to produce forks, plates, spoons and other items known to us today. The first dishes were made from thick paper. It only gained popularity in 1950. And it was at this time that paper began to be replaced by another material, namely plastic.

Plastic dishes in the USSR. Nowadays

In the Soviet Union, such dishes began to appear only in 1960, but they were not popular until 1990. This was due to the lack of establishments fast food. It is worth paying attention to the fact that disposable paper tableware is now gaining popularity again. This is no coincidence, because quite often plastic products for food storage do not meet quality standards. Paper, in turn, is a safe and environmentally friendly material.

To purchase utensils that are harmless to health, you need to know what the markings on plastic utensils mean. You can find out this and much more in our article.

Plastic utensils have mass positive qualities. The very first thing consumers pay attention to is the low cost of such a product. It is convenient to transport and there is no need to wash. It is known that plastic dishes are quite durable, but only if there is no excessive load on them. As a rule, due to its positive qualities, it is used for picnics, parties, or simply taken with food to work or on a long trip. Marking of plastic utensils for food products can tell a lot about its quality and recommendations for use. In order for disposable food containers to bring only benefits, you need to know how to use them correctly.

Today, many cafes and fast food restaurants use plastic disposable tableware because it is cheap, convenient and aesthetically pleasing. It is worth noting that containers for reusable. Many housewives use them to store bulk substances. Is plastic harmful? You can find out this information in our article.

Harm and negative qualities of plastic and disposable tableware

Few people know, but Not correct use any disposable container can cause irreversible harm to health. To prevent this from happening, you need to know what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding of the markers is provided in our article.

Reusable and disposable tableware is harmful if it is used incorrectly. However, some doctors believe that it carries a certain danger under any circumstances. First of all, experts do not recommend reusing containers that are intended for one-time use. On the second application it releases a large number of substances hazardous to health.

It's no secret that plastic is a material obtained chemically. It is for this reason that when exposed to different products it can behave completely differently. For example, not every disposable glass can be used to drink warm tea. Labeling plastic containers is a great way to find out how a particular container can be used.

Plastic is known to be difficult to degrade. This process takes more than ten years. Exactly because of this reason this material negatively affects our environment. To cope with this problem, factories are opening in many cities that process environmentally hazardous material. Unfortunately, there are quite a few such enterprises. It is for this reason that many fast food establishments prefer to use only paper utensils. It is more environmentally friendly and harmless.

Marking on plastic. Polystyrene dishes

In order not to harm your health, you need to know what the markings on plastic utensils mean. The decoding, which is described in our article, is remembered quite simply. This information will definitely be useful to you at a picnic or party, and will also help you maintain your health.

If there is a PS sign on plastic containers, you can be sure that such containers contain polystyrene. If used incorrectly, it is extremely dangerous to health. Plastic containers marked this way can only be used for storing refrigerated foods. The thing is that upon contact with hot food, containers with polystyrene release styrene, which accumulates in vital organs. Over time, this can cause the development of serious diseases. It is also highly recommended not to store alcoholic beverages in such containers or to heat food in the microwave.

Plastic utensils made of polypropylene

Does plastic marking exist and its decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out.

There is an opinion that disposable tableware should never be used in the microwave. However, it is not. On some plastic containers you can find a sign with the number 5 and the symbols PP. This marking indicates that the cookware contains polypropylene. It is in such a container that you can heat food in the microwave and pour hot tea into it. Few people know, but polypropylene dishes do not deform when in contact with contents whose temperature is no more than 100 degrees Celsius.

The only thing that should never be stored in such a container is alcohol. If alcohol is poured into a polypropylene container, the plastic begins to release phenol, from the effects of which a person can completely lose his vision. A polypropylene container has a lot of positive qualities. It is known to be quite durable and retains heat well. Plastic utensils are extremely popular today. Labeling for the consumer is the main source of information that allows you to find out what a particular container is intended for.

What does the triangle of three arrows mean on plastic containers?

You know what the markings on plastic utensils look like. In addition to numbers and letters, there is a triangle sign on it, which consists of three arrows. Not everyone understands what it means. Such closed loop from the arrows indicates that the used dishes are subject to further recycling. As a rule, there is a number inside the triangle, and several letters below it. They can tell you about the material from which your chosen cookware is made.

Sign with cutlery

The labeling of plastic utensils is the first thing a consumer should pay attention to when purchasing. As we said earlier, if containers are used incorrectly, they can cause irreversible harm to health. Often on plastic utensils you can find a sign with the image of cutlery. This marker indicates that food can be stored in this container. If such a sign is crossed out, then you can be sure that the product is not intended for use in the kitchen.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to know and remember what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out what is included in a particular container.

If you go on a picnic with plastic utensils, then under no circumstances burn them after the picnic is over. When burned, disposable containers release substances hazardous to health. Experts strongly recommend not to eat in establishments that use plastic utensils. If you have no other choice, then be sure to pay attention to its quality. Labeling plastic utensils will allow you to find out whether they are used correctly in a particular establishment. A similar situation exists with Often, when there is a great desire to save money, they use cheaper glasses that are not intended for storing hot drinks.

As we said earlier, never reuse disposable tableware. This rule is not accidental, because in this case, the surface of the plastic container is destroyed. upper layer, and it begins to release life-threatening chemicals.

Gastroenterologists strongly discourage the use of plastic utensils. They emphasize that under any circumstances, some polymers still enter the human body. It is known that over time they accumulate and become causative agents of serious diseases. Experts strongly recommend not using disposable containers or at least paying attention to the recommendations for their use. Labeling plastic utensils will allow you to find out what a particular container is suitable for. Doctors recommend today to stop using such kitchen items and use only disposable containers made of thick paper.

Let's sum it up

In the warm season, plastic dishes are especially popular. The marking of such containers is described in our article. We strongly recommend that you remember its decoding in order to maintain your health. Plastic dishes have a lot of positive qualities. It is cheap and compact. However, it also has several disadvantages. If used correctly, it will only bring you joy and will not ruin your picnic. Be healthy!

• Affordable price. The main advantage of plastic can be considered the ease of production and the low price of the raw materials themselves. Thus, inexpensive, functional, bright products are obtained.
• Light weight. Plastic is very light, and if in small products such as plates, mugs or cutlery this does not play such a big role, then when comparing a plastic basin and an enameled basin, given the overall functionality of the products, many will prefer a plastic basin (in cases where it is not important heat resistance), since it is much lighter than iron.
• Ease of care for plastic products also plays an important role. Plastic does not enter chemical reactions, resistant to oxidation, not afraid of water and humid environments.
• Bright design plastic products. Plastic can be painted in all sorts of colors, thanks to the plasticity of the material it is possible to manufacture products of any shape and size, high-quality decal applied to plastic surface, will last a long time and will delight you throughout the entire time you use the product.
• Series and collections. Manufacturers often produce plastic tableware in collections, allowing you to decorate your kitchen or set the table in the same style.

When choosing plastic utensils, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Manufacturer. Choose products from reliable manufacturers whose products have all the necessary certificates. Since the use of raw materials of poor quality can adversely affect the health of consumers.
• Read the markings and labels carefully. Only products labeled “food grade plastic” should be used to store and serve food and drinks. For containers and containers for microwave use a certain plastic is used, which does not emit when heated harmful substances. For freezing food there is also special kind plastic that does not lose its properties at low temperatures.
• When disposing of plastic products, it is recommended to recycle them. There is a system for collecting plastic waste, thereby preserving nature, since plastic products practically do not decompose and, once in a landfill, they will lie in the ground for centuries.

Plastic has become an integral part modern life. It is used to make bags, bottles, water pipes, dishes and food containers. This ensures constant contact of plastic with food and drinking water, which, according to many experts, negatively affects human health.

Currently, five main types of plastic are widely used for the production of household items: polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene. Moreover, the latter is officially recognized as safe for humans and is approved for use in all countries of the world, in particular in Russia, the European Union and the USA.

But some scientists do not warn consumers against the constant use of utensils and other household items made of polypropylene. According to them, the negative impact of this plastic on the human body does not appear immediately, but after decades. They are confident that polypropylene can potentially cause many serious diseases, including cancer.

To establish the truth in this matter, it is necessary to study in more detail what polypropylene is, how this material is obtained and what properties it has. In addition, it is important to find out how to properly use polypropylene products - what they are suitable for and what they are not.

Production

Polypropylene is produced by heating and then compressing synthetic raw materials. The highest quality material is produced at high blood pressure, which ensures the strength and complete safety of the plastic. This polypropylene is used to make plastic tableware, yogurt packaging, processed cheeses, semi-finished products and other food products.

It has high heat resistance, withstanding up to 150℃. Therefore such plastic container Can be placed in the microwave without transferring food to glass or ceramic dishes. Cups made of high-quality polypropylene are suitable for drinking hot tea, coffee and other drinks.

The only restriction applies only to alcohol. The fact is that when interacting with an alcohol-containing liquid, polypropylene can release a toxic substance - formaldehyde. The amount of this substance is extremely small to cause significant harm to humans, but in some people it can provoke serious allergies.

Polypropylene obtained at medium and low pressure is prohibited from being used for the production of tableware and food containers.

This is explained by the fact that polypropylene manufacturing technologies Low quality require the mandatory presence of a catalyst – nickel, which can cause significant damage to human health.

Harm

Speaking about the dangers of polypropylene, most people wonder how serious the harm of plastic tableware is to humans? And this is no coincidence, because thousands of people use plates, forks and cups made of polypropylene every day during lunch breaks, snacks in inexpensive cafes, street stalls and on picnics.

Numerous studies have found that plastic cookware is not as safe as glass or ceramic. It turned out that polypropylene is able to actively interact with fats, in particular with vegetable and butter, releasing phenol and formaldehyde into food that are dangerous to humans.

In addition, according to some reports, toxic substances from plastic can penetrate into food under the influence of high temperatures and prolonged contact with food. But does this mean that using plastic utensils and containers is unhealthy?

According to the results of numerous studies, during which scientists injected high doses of polypropylene dust into the stomachs of rats, no negative effects of plastic on the body of experimental animals were identified.

Only prolonged inhalation of the pores formed when polypropylene is heated above 200℃ caused irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory organs in rats. Thus, plastic utensils are not harmful to humans if consumers do not violate the rules for their use.

But polypropylene cookware is not the most durable and safe. The highest positive properties has plastic utensils made from polycarbonate raw materials. So household items made of polycarbonate can withstand very high temperature and have a strength 200 times greater than that of glass.

In addition, polycarbonate is inert material and therefore does not react with food or drinks. Eg mineral water can be stored in polycarbonate bottles for 1 year without losing its beneficial properties.

But polycarbonate will be discussed in more detail in another article, and here we discuss the issue of the safety of polypropylene for human health, in particular polypropylene water pipes. This topic is extremely relevant, since nowadays there is a widespread replacement of outdated metal pipes to modern plastic ones.

Many people are frightened by this trend, because they do not believe in the harmlessness of polypropylene pipes and are afraid for their health and the health of their loved ones. Others easily agree to install plastic pipes in their houses and apartments, without being interested in the basic rules for their operation.

To begin with, it is important to emphasize that the most in a safe way The use of polypropylene pipes is to provide cold water supply. This is explained by the fact that when interacting with low temperatures such pipes do not emit dangerous toxins, which means they do not affect water quality.

Some otherwise the situation is with hot water supply and systems central heating. The fact is that when heated for a long time, plastic can release toxic substances, such as phenol and formaldehyde. However, for this to happen, the water temperature in the pipes must be extremely high, whereas in reality it rarely exceeds 75℃.

Therefore, the harm of plastic pipes is considered greatly exaggerated, since they do not have a noticeable effect on the human body. But this is only true for high-quality products, and pipes made from low-grade polypropylene can cause serious harm to health and significantly reduce life expectancy.

To avoid such consequences, you need to know how to choose polypropylene pipes in the store and at construction market, and always follow these rules. Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. Buy only high quality plastic pipes from famous manufacturers, which are guaranteed not to contain harmful chemical compounds;
2. You should refuse to purchase if the product has too strong a chemical smell;
3. After installing pipes in the toilet, bathroom or kitchen, you need to ventilate the room well for 2-3 days.

Benefit

Of course, products made from polypropylene also have beneficial properties. Thus, disposable plastic tableware is highly hygienic and helps to avoid the transmission of many dangerous diseases. In addition, it does not break and has minimal weight, so it is convenient to take it with you on any trip.

Polypropylene pipes also have a whole list of positive qualities that make them so popular. Among them, the following useful properties should be noted:

• Low price. Polypropylene pipes are much cheaper than their metal counterparts;
• Easy and quick installation. There is no need to use a welding machine to connect plastic pipes;
• Light weight. The low weight greatly facilitates the delivery and installation of polypropylene pipes;
• Corrosion resistance. Plastic pipes are absolutely not subject to rust;
• Hygiene. There is almost no plaque formation in plastic pipes;
• Reliability. Despite the popular belief about the fragility plastic structures, polypropylene pipes are very reliable and can last at least 30 years;
• Resistance to temperature fluctuations. Such pipes are not afraid of sudden changes in temperature.

Conclusion

From all of the above, the conclusion suggests itself that even the experts themselves find it difficult to say why exactly polypropylene is harmful to health. Negative influence This material has not yet been proven to work on humans, so in almost all countries of the world it is used for the production of dishes and water pipes.

Those who doubt whether polypropylene is harmful or not can be advised to protect themselves and their loved ones from contact with plastic as much as possible. To do this, all items made of polypropylene can be replaced with products made from more environmentally friendly materials, and plastic pipes can be replaced with modern metal pipes made of copper or stainless steel.

The most common polymer materials (types of plastic):

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Polystyrene
• Polycarbonate

They are used to produce both technical and food plastics.

Plastics used for the production of products in contact with food and children's assortment must undergo examination for compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and be certified. The manufacturer is obliged to label its products. Food-grade plastic has the generally accepted marking - “glass and fork”. It may say that it is intended for cold, bulk or hot foods, for use in the microwave or for freezing, sometimes indicating a temperature range.

For example, “Snowflakes” indicate that the container is suitable for freezing food, “stove with waves” - that the dishes can be heated in the microwave, and “shower plates” indicate that the containers can be washed in dishwasher. This marking is also used by some Russian manufacturers.

Harm

The harm of plastic

Plastic in pure form It is a rather weak, brittle material - it cracks in the light and melts in the heat. For strength, stabilizers are added to it. This makes the plastic stronger, but also more toxic. Because of this, it appears harm from plastic dishes.

The polymers themselves are inert, non-toxic and do not “migrate” into food. But intermediate substances, technological additives, solvents, as well as chemical decomposition products can penetrate into food and have a toxic effect on humans. Under certain conditions, plastic releases toxic compounds that, when entering the human body, negatively affect his health.

This process can occur while food is being stored or when it is heated. In addition, polymer materials are subject to change (aging), as a result of which destruction products are released from them. Moreover different kinds plastics become toxic when different conditions- some cannot be heated, others cannot be washed, etc. Incorrect operation becomes main reason harm from plastic utensils.

American scientists claim that up to 80% of “plastic” substances found in the human body come from construction and finishing materials, in particular from the popular plastic windows, furniture, but most of all from dishes: from food plastic, all kinds of compounds pass into food nutrition. Domestic manufacturers, assure that certified plastic utensils are absolutely safe - if used as intended.

Benefit

Advantages of plastic dishes

Compactness, lightness, hygiene, low cost, ease of operation allow you to use plastic utensils outside the home - on the road, outdoors, etc. They do not require washing or cleaning. Therefore, the need for using plastic utensils is growing. Plastic utensils are also used by fast food restaurants, outdoor cafes and snack bars.

Plastic food utensils: how to use

To plastic utensils are not harmful health, it must be used strictly for its intended purpose. Food grade plastic different brands has different properties. One brand of this polymer raw material is intended for the production of water bottles, the other for carbonated drink bottles. Yogurt cups are made from a grade of plastic that allows the casting process to produce lightweight and cheap capacity, while neutral towards milk fat, and pudding cups should resist sugar.

Experts insist: in no case should plastic packaging be used as containers for storing food, and disposable tableware should not be used repeatedly. Disposable packaging should be used for one time only.

How plastic will react to contact with ingredients for which it was not intended, no one has studied what compounds may form in this case. Particularly insidious are fats and acids, which can extract free toxic compounds from plastic.

Foods high in sugar and fat should not be cooked in plastic containers. They are heated to the point where the plastic melts and deforms. You need to cook them in special dishes, withstanding heating up to 140, 180 and more C.

At reuse disposable plastic tableware is damaged by its external protective layer, and carcinogenic substances begin to be released - formaldehyde, phenol, cadmium, lead.

You should not drink alcohol from disposable plastic glasses. Any plastic contains toxic substances that do not dissolve in ordinary cold drinks, but do not withstand chemical attack alcohol.

The release of various compounds from plastic increases many times over when heated. Therefore, only special containers designed for this purpose can be used in a microwave oven.

At home, remove food immediately packaging film. Trim off the top layer of food stored in plastic packaging.

Do not use disposable packaging to store food. Store food in glass and ceramic dishes. Try to avoid products packaged in plastic whenever possible, preferring loose ones.

Buy baby food only in glass or cardboard. Do not use for baby food plastic dishes. Do not microwave food in plastic containers.

Do not keep water in for a long time pitcher filters. In the morning and evening, replace the remaining water with fresh water. A plastic water jug ​​that becomes cloudy should be thrown away.

Also, disposable packaging was not intended for washing, so the result may be unpredictable.

Any polymer material ages under the influence of light, heat, heating and contact with all kinds of substances. Then it becomes cloudy, absorbs odors and ingredients from the contents and releases toxic substances.

Food manufacturers indicate that shelf life applies not only to the product itself, but also to the packaging. This is most true for canned goods. For example, a toxic substance can be found in them - biphenol.

Lined with plastic film containing biphenol inner surface tin cans so that the metal does not come into contact with food. From here biphenol can pass into the contents.

It is advisable to replace canned food with fresh or frozen foods.

Transfer food from opened cans into glass containers, even if we're talking about about short-term storage (under the influence of oxygen, corrosion of cans increases sharply and the content of lead and tin in food begins to increase rapidly).

Toxins can accumulate in the body for years, undermining your health. Even small amounts are poisonous if exposed for a long time.

Buy food, plastic utensils and cling film only from reputable manufacturers and only from reliable stores.

Today there are disposable tableware made from environmentally friendly pure materials- cane, bamboo, based eggshells, as well as paper tableware made from cardboard.

ADDITIONALLY

Labeling of plastic utensils

To simplify the sorting of plastic, a special international marking has been developed - triangles formed by arrows with a number inside. The number indicating the type of plastic is located inside the triangle. Below the triangle is a letter abbreviation indicating the type of plastic.

PET Polyethylene terephthalate: bottles for carbonated drinks, water, juices, dairy products, vegetable oils, cosmetic products, etc.

Frozen ready meals in trays in which they can be heated in the microwave or oven, are made from crystallized polyethylene terephthalate. Its properties remain unchanged in the range from -40º to +250ºС. True, some brands may lose the necessary heat resistance after being subjected to deep cooling.

Buy drinks only in PET bottles and do not reuse them.

PP Polypropylene: medical products, bottle caps, hot dishes, food packaging film

Dishes made of polypropylene (PP marking) are safer. The polypropylene glass can withstand temperatures up to +100°C. You can drink hot tea or coffee from polypropylene glasses; you can heat food in the microwave in plates made from it. But upon contact with strong drinks and alcohol, it releases formaldehyde or phenol. If you drink vodka from such a glass, not only your kidneys, but also your eyesight will suffer. Formaldehyde is also considered a carcinogen.

PS Polystyrene: disposable tableware, cups for dairy products, yogurt, electrical insulating film

Polystyrene is indifferent to cold liquids. But when polystyrene cookware comes into contact with hot water or alcohol, it begins to release a toxic compound (monomers) - styrene. It is not recommended to place hot foods in polystyrene plates. Polystyrene plates are often used in summer cafes for barbecue. And along with hot meat and ketchup, the client also receives a dose of toxins - styrene, which accumulate in the liver and kidneys.

Disposable cups can only be used for water. It is better not to drink sour juices, sodas, hot and strong drinks from them. Some coffee machines use polystyrene cups. That is, you cannot drink hot coffee or tea from them.

Purchasing products instant cooking(those that just need to be poured with boiling water), pay attention to the packaging (cup, bag, plate). Although Rospotrebnadzor and certification bodies monitor the safety of materials, nevertheless, manufacturers often use polystyrene packaging. Therefore, it is better to transfer the products into ceramic or enamel dishes and then pour boiling water over them.

Cool food before storing it in a container. For hot food and microwave ovens, use only special containers.

If there is no marking on the plastic, you can distinguish PS from PP by touch - polystyrene crunches and breaks, and polypropylene wrinkles. Also basic distinctive feature polystyrene bottles - bluish color of the container. And when pressing with a fingernail on PS plastic, a whitish scar (stripe) always remains; on PP plastic, the container will remain smooth.

HDP Polyethylene high density: packaging bags, garbage bags

PVC Polyvinyl chloride: construction and Decoration Materials, furniture, shoes, medical products, water bottles, cling film

Synthetic poison dioxin can be released from PVC utensils in cases of heating food in microwave ovens, freezing water in freezers. Dioxins accumulate in human adipose tissue and are not eliminated from the body for a very long time (up to 30 years). Dioxin released causes cancer (especially breast cancer).

LDP Low Density Polyethylene ( low pressure): bottles for detergents and edible vegetable oils, toys, pipes, plastic bags.

Other types of plastic are multilayer packaging or combined plastic.

Mayonnaise, ketchup and other sauces, seasonings, juices, jams, ready-made soups and cereals that require heating, sold in bags. Such bags are made from multilayer combined films. The choice of film depends on the properties of the product, the period and conditions of its storage. Soups, cereals, and main courses are packaged in bags made of films that have a high melting point. Dishes in such packaging can be heated in the microwave or boiled directly in the bag. Such dishes can withstand temperatures from -40 to +230° C or more. But physiologists still advise eating them less often.

Dishes made of melamine (polymerized formaldehyde) - it is white, shiny (reminiscent of porcelain), weighs lighter, and does not break. When tapped, melamine dishes produce not a ringing sound, but a dull sound.

Using such utensils is extremely dangerous. To make the dishes stronger, asbestos can be added to it, which is prohibited even in construction (such dishes come to Russia from Turkey, Jordan and China). It cannot be used for hot food. When melamine dishes are poured hot water, formaldehyde begins to dissolve in water. Formaldehyde and asbestos can cause cancer. To ensure that the design on such a plate lasts for a long time, paints containing heavy metals, primarily lead.

A wide variety of plastic packaging and its markings. Disposable and reusable plastic tableware is very convenient in everyday life.

And we often use it in food purposes.
Have you ever thought about the harm that even healthy food, eaten from disposable plastic dishes!

To prevent it from harming our health, it must be used strictly for its intended purpose.
Therefore, today we will give you all the necessary information about this cookware.

Markings on plastic utensils

Food-grade plastic of different markings has different properties. Disposable plastic tableware is usually purchased for picnics, office parties or similar events.

But, when purchasing, it is very important to pay attention to the markings on plastic utensils. Search glass and fork emblem, it means it is suitable for food.

• PS (polystyrene)– dishes with this marking are not compatible with alcohol, hot foods or drinks that provoke the release of styrene, which is harmful to the kidneys and liver.
• PET or 5 in triangle (polyethylene terephthalate) – disposable glasses with this marker they are used for soft drinks (juices, mineral water, kvass). It is prohibited to drink milk, hot drinks, or alcohol from them.
• PP (polypropylene)– not compatible only with alcohol. If you break this rule, you will deal a “crushing blow” to your kidneys and eyesight!
• PVC or 3 in triangle (polyvinyl chloride)- cheap practical plastic. It is potentially hazardous for food use,
  because it may contain dioxins, mercury, cadmium, bisphenol A. Used in the manufacture of oilcloth and detergent bottles.
• PE (polyethylene)- according to experts, the most best option, if possible, try to buy it.

It should be noted that high-quality disposable plastic items will not be painted in bright colors; as a rule, they are made transparent. Dyes contain toxic substances that poison the body!

It is better not to buy plastic glasses at all, since they not only cannot be recycled, but also contain a lot of toxic substances, which, when drinking hot drinks, penetrate into our body.

Reusable plastic tableware

Reusable dishes made of plastic is found in almost every family. These are trays in which you may take food to work, bottles for children, bottles of mineral water and other drinks.

Remember!

Reusable plastic utensils are not suitable for storage sauerkraut and sour foods!

It's important to know about proper storage products in plastic containers. For example, not every plastic is suitable for freezing in freezer. Manufacturers often write Thermoplast (Duroplast) on the bottom of the trays, which means they can be used for storage in the freezer.

Useful tips:

Are there fruit flies? We'll tell you

And you also need to know that plastic bottles from carbonated water, kvass, beer. Not all are suitable for reusable use. We already talked about PVC marker above!

Important!

Pay attention to the markings on plastic utensils.

Vacuum packaging for food products

Vacuum packaging has become popular recently. The principle of operation is clear from the name - a vacuum is created inside the tray. It is needed for longer storage of food. It is recommended to use for ground coffee, smoked meat, fish, hard cheese and others.

But, storage in vacuum packaging not always beneficial! Firstly, not everything can be stored in reusable plastic containers, for example, fresh meat, confectionery, some vegetables and fruits.

And, secondly, when long-term storage Salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria multiply well in such packages. Therefore, in some cases it is better to use paper bags for food packaging.

Plastic dishes: harm or benefit?

Finally, I would like to advise you to avoid eating from plastic dishes. As you can see, there is no benefit, but there is a lot of harm to the body. The best alternative– disposable paper packaging.

It may not be as comfortable, but it is environmentally friendly and safe. Well, if you buy plastic dishes, then think in advance about what purposes they are for, and don’t forget about their labeling!