Chemicals that are used in the manufacture of plastic packaging or containers can migrate into foods during use. The quantities of migrating chemicals will depend largely on the nature of food, the contact temperature and the contact time. However, proper usage of the plastics will have insignificant or very low levels of chemicals migration, which does not pose any health risk to consumers even after long term use.

Safety Tips for Consumers when using Plastic Food Packaging & Containers

When manufacturers design a plastic packaging, they will take into consideration the type of food and its contact time with the packaging and the amount of heat to which the plastic will be subjected. It is therefore crucial that consumers do not misuse packaging materials in an unintended or unanticipated manner as this may result in greater amounts of chemical migration than would otherwise be expected. The following are some guidelines for safe use of plastic food packaging and containers.

Plastics and Conventional Oven

• Unless indicated otherwise, plastic packaging used for commercial packing of food is not suitable for use in conventional ovens. They may catch fire or melt and resulting in chemical migration into foods.

• Reheat pre-cooked foods in a conventional oven only if they are sold in specially made ‘ovenable’ packaging and oven reheating instructions are given by the manufacturer.

Plastics and Microwave Oven

• Only use plastic containers that are labeled as microwave – safe for microwave cooking or reheating. Do not use the container in a microwave oven if you are in doubt or unable to find the manufacturer’s instructions for microwave use.

• Cold or freezer storage containers such as yoghurt, margarine and ice-cream tubs are not manufactured for reheating or cooking food in a microwave or conventional oven. They are not heat stable and chemicals from the plastic may migrate into the food during heating.

Plastics Cling Films

• Do not use cling films in conventional ovens or with pots and pans on cooker hobs where the films may melt into the food.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the proper usage of the cling films.

• Use only cling films designated as suitable for use in microwave oven.

• When reheating or cooking food in a microwave oven, ensure that the microwave safe cling film touches the food, the film could get overly hot and possibly melt or may migrate chemicals into the food.

Freezing, Defrosting and Cooking Fresh Produce in Commercial Plastic Packaging

• It is safe to freeze meat directly in its original commercial plastic wrapping. For long storage, rewrap or over-wrap the meat tightly with moisture proof freezer bags to maintain the quality and texture of the meat.

• Do not defrost or cook the meat in its original commercial packaging in a microwave oven, as the plastic packaging may not be microwave safe.


Reusing Plastic Packaging and Containers

• Commercial plastic packaging that has been used for storing non – food items should never be reused as food containers. They have not been tested safe for food storage and they may contain non food residues that contaminate food.

• Plastic packaging that are used for commercial packing of food and take away plastic food containers used in eating outlets are disposable items designed for single use and are not intended for repeated storage of food. They are safe for their immediate intended purpose but not beyond what they are designed for.

• Use only those takeaway food containers that are labeled microwave safe for reheating food in the microwave oven. They should not be reused for microwave heating.

• Plastic packaging for microwaveable convenience meal are designed for one time usage with the type of food packed in it and should not be reused for storing or microwave heating of food.

• Use only reusable plastic food containers for repeated storage of food. These containers have the sturdiness, thermal stability and other attributes needed for a reusable food container.

• Reusable plastic food containers can be subjected to wear and tear after a period of use. They should be replaced when they have turned cloudy or discoloured or if cracks or heavy abrasions start to appear.

Source: Consumer Association of Singapore