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One of the foremost nutrition physicians has given a bleak alert regarding the lurking threat of the use of black plastic containers that are often being used to carry out food deliveries, takeaways, and all the cutlery in the kitchen. Dr. Nandita Iyer, a medical professional and an expert in applied nutrition, recently drew viral publicity and interviews as to how such occupations as ubiquitous black boxes might not be as safe as they look.

Dr. Iyer reports that most of the black plastic containers are made using recycled plastic waste that contains residues of electronic gadgets such as old television sets, remote controls, and plastic PVCs. These substances are normally brominated flame retardants (BFRs), heavy metals, and other substances not designed to be used in food contact.

The actual danger occurs when the food, particularly the hot and oily or acidic food such as curries and gravies, is left or restocked in these containers. Heat, fats, and acids speed up the process of leaching a multitude of harmful compounds that include flame retardants, microplastics, and elements of heavy metals into your food. Research and recent research published in Chemosphere has found toxic flame retardants in up to 85% of sampled black plastic domestic products, and in some cases, toxic flame retardants are at levels considerably above those considered safe in food-contact products, such as sushi trays and spatulas.

These chemicals have been associated with severe health outcomes: endocrine interference (hormone interference), reproductive and neurological and developmental problems in children, and risks of cancer. Although not all black plastic objects are contaminated to a certain level, a lack of traces in recycling can be a wise approach to avoidance.

Dr. Iyer recommends that once the takeaway food has been prepared, it should be transferred to glass or stainless steel containers right away and not be heated in anything made of plastic (particularly black), and it should not be using black plastic ladles or spoons to heat up hot food. Exposure is minimized in safer options such as glass, steel, or microwave-safe marked.

This caution is congruent with the world problems related to the plastic recycling process and the migration of chemicals. With the appearance of further research, the specialists call on the consumers to prefer food-safe materials in their daily use, so your health might be at stake! Keep in mind and make decisions.