The use of plastic pots to store food is a common practice at home or to transport meals. However, the use of plastic utensils is surrounded by doubts about the damage they can cause to health.
In the midst of this discussion are several public opinions and studies by associations and entities linked to health, such as Anvisa, the WHO and other international health agencies.
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According to studies carried out by these bodies, the main villain of the pots is BPA, a chemical compound used in the production of some plastic containers.
The central argument of the discussion is that BPA can be transferred from plastic pots to food under certain conditions, such as, for example, exposure to high temperatures.
This process supposedly can cause numerous health problems, such as cancer and hormonal disorders. Check below what BPA is and if plastic pots can be harmful to health!
What is the risk of using plastic pots to store food?
Plastic pots are containers that undergo a chemical production process. Bisphenol A (BPA) is present among the chemical compounds in some pots, especially in polycarbonate products and epoxy varnishes.
According to the Anvisa, polycarbonate has high transparency and thermal resistance, therefore, it was used in the production of baby bottles, children's cups and even water bottles.
In recent decades, a debate has been sparked regarding the safety of jars containing BPA, due to the alleged health problems, such as hormonal disorders, cancer risk, and developmental problems childish.
So, the World Health Organization (WHO) held, in 2010, a meeting with specialists to determine the risks of the chemical compound.
The result of the analysis determined that the risk of BPA only occurs at high doses. However, the organization pointed to the need for further studies to reduce uncertainties regarding contact with plastic packaging containing BPA.
Since then, many countries have banned the importation of baby bottles made with BPA. In the case of Brazil, since 2012 the manufacture and import of these products has been prohibited.
for others packaging, according to Anvisa, “the legislation establishes the maximum limit of specific migration of this substance to food, which was defined based on the results of toxicological studies”.
Amidst the controversy, many products began to be produced without BPA. These products have a stamp on the package, stating that it is indicated by the expressions ‘BPA Free’ or 'BPA free.
Scientific studies and discussions about plastics with BPA are still going on. At the moment, an outlet for consumers can be use other packaging, such as glass, or look for products with the BPA Free seal.