Plastic containers for storing food (often known as “Tupperware”) do not have an unlimited lifespan. At some point, if they are damaged, they can become harmful to your health… Here are 4 signs that should alert youaccording to statements by Andrea de Vizcaya Ruiz, associate professor of environmental and occupational health at the University of California Irvine, in Verywell health website.
If they are visibly worn, they have cracks, scratches, chips… Your Tupperware should no longer be used. On the one hand, they are less effective in protecting your food from external bacteria, on the other hand, these plastic defects make the container more complex to clean correctly.
If they are stained and smelly : she explains that if a Tupperware retains a brand of food and an associated odor, this can put bacteria at risk of developing there. In this case, it is better to throw away the container.
If your Tupperware does not close/no longer closes correctly: for a plastic container to really fulfill its role, it must be perfectly waterproof. So if there is a hole, or it does not close properly, it will not protect your food from bacteria.
Finally, pay attention to the use of microwave and dishwasher safe : single-use plastic containers are not made to be heated, as this degrades the plastic which can release toxic substances (phthalates and bisphenol A). Although Tupperware is known to be more resistant, it also presents this risk in the long term. So avoid heating them as much as possible, whether in the microwave or in the dishwasher.
Source: Verywell health
