A gentle tear of plastic wrap locks in the freshness of food, offering great convenience for preservation. However, an increasing number of studies suggest that the price of this convenience may be greater than we imagine.
For the health of your entire family, never place food wrapped in plastic wrap into the microwave for heating!
Plastic-wrapped food is a common sight, but scientists are concerned about the safety of this readily available convenience.
Some plastic wraps contain endocrine-disrupting substances that can interfere with the body's hormones, leading to issues such as breast cancer in women, birth defects in newborns, reduced sperm count in men, and even mental illnesses.
According to a report in The New York Times, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun screening thousands of chemicals to identify those that might cause endocrine disruption for further investigation. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions like metabolism, growth, and reproduction. An excess can disrupt the finely tuned endocrine system.
Animal studies have shown harmful effects. Some plastic wraps (specifically those made of polyvinyl chloride, PVC) contain a plasticizer called di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) to enhance adhesion. This chemical can leach into food, especially high-fat items, and is released more rapidly when the plastic is heated.
The U.S. Consumers Union recently tested cheese wrapped in plastic wrap and found that out of 19 products, seven cheeses packaged in supermarkets contained high levels of DEHA, ranging from 51 to 270 units per million, with an average of 153 units—far exceeding the safe limit. The European Union's permissible limit is a maximum of 18 units per million.
Since the harm has only been proven in animal experiments (like on white rats), the U.S. government has not yet banned the industrial use of DEHA. The United Kingdom, however, mandated the use of safer plasticizers over a decade ago. Some American consumers have already started to reduce their use of plastic wrap for food.
While plastic wrap is still widely used, consumers can also take steps to protect themselves:
As soon as you get home, remove meat, cheese, and other foods from plastic wrap, wash the surface, or shave off a thin layer, then transfer them to other "food-grade plastic bags" or containers.
Do not let food touch any plastic wrap. Use covered ceramic or stainless steel containers more often.
If possible, use your own paper to wrap meat when purchasing it.
If food is in an uncovered ceramic bowl and covered with plastic wrap, do not fill it to the brim to prevent the wrap from touching the food.
When any food is covered with plastic wrap, never use a microwave, steamer, or rice cooker to heat it! Even if the food does not touch the wrap, it is best to remove it first!