Recent report of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions against using plastic containers to store children’s food.

Why?

Plastics are hardened using bisphenols (group of chemical compounds), such as BPA. According to the report, this chemical “can act like estrogen in the body and potentially change the timing of puberty, decrease fertility, increase body fat, and affect the nervous and immune systems.”

Phthalates (are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility) can “affect male genital development, increase childhood obesity, and contribute to cardiovascular disease.”

In America, some phthalates in products such as teething rings are already banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Plastic containers used simply to store food can also pose health risks for children.

Are they really ‘microwave-safe’?

More specifically, microwaving food in plastic containers is a total NO. The chemicals come in contact with food when microwaved and pose health risks, especially for children.

Even though some containers we buy are marked ‘microwave-safe’ these items can pose health risks especially when they have been used for a long time, scratched or/and have changed colours.

The report recommends using glass or ceramic containers. These are safer alternatives.