Plastic tableware is disposable. Polypropylene tableware - benefits and harm Which plastic tableware is safe

The use and application of plastic has become commonplace for modern society. Without noticing it ourselves, we can say that plastic objects have seriously invaded our lives. After all, we use plastic products in our everyday life. Plastic containers, dishes, bottles, bags, containers for storing food - we use all this every day.

The production of five types of plastic is now widespread. Polypropylene is considered the most popular type of plastic. This plastic causes minimal harm to health. But since polypropylene dishes are in constant contact with food and water, this can still negatively affect our health. There are a large number of myths about polypropylene. This will need to be looked into further.

Products made from polypropylene

Polypropylene plastic is produced by heating and further compressing synthetic raw materials. Due to high pressure it is possible to obtain material highest quality, which becomes durable and most in a safe way plastic. It is very widely used in the production of plastic utensils, yogurt containers and processed cheese, processed foods, carbonated drinks and other various products.

The main advantage of polypropylene is resistance to heat and relatively high temperatures. The maximum temperature that this plastic can withstand is 150 0 C. This simplifies our life and saves our time, since food can be heated in microwave oven already in plastic containers, without the need to use glass or ceramic dishes. In places Catering utensils made of polypropylene plastic are very widely used for hot coffee and tea, and other products.

It is very important to know one thing: you should not use polypropylene cups for alcoholic drinks, since when alcohol comes into contact with plastic, it releases formaldehyde, which is a toxic substance. With constant use, a severe allergic reaction may occur.

It has already been scientifically established that plastic, which is made at low pressure, is dangerous for use in items that come into contact with food.

Benefits of using polypropylene cookware

Products made of polypropylene have their own marking, which is indicated PP. This plastic has three degrees of heat resistance - high, medium, low. This marking indicates that they are the safest when heated; they can be used for heating in microwave ovens. It can also be used in dishwashers. It is necessary to take into account the markings on the bottom of the cookware.

Therefore, on store shelves, in public catering establishments and at home, you can find products of this particular plastic. This material is also used to make lids for jars that we use in everyday life.

Positive characteristics of polypropylene products:

Polypropylene refers to environmentally friendly plastic, so its use is widely used in medicine.
Such dishes have high hygienic properties, saves us from the spread of many harmful diseases.
It is also distinguished by its high strength, for example, with a slight impact or fall it will not break.
Plastic products are light in weight.
Does not corrode.
Low cost.
Does not absorb foreign odors.
Disposable polypropylene tableware does not need to be washed or cleaned after eating; it is enough to dispose of it in a trash container.

These characteristics make this plastic very popular and practical. It can be found in every home. To ensure only benefit from it, it is recommended to use it only strictly for its intended purpose, following the recommendations and temperature conditions.

Harm to humans from using polypropylene tableware

In addition to their benefits, polypropylene products can cause harm to humans if they are used incorrectly or for other purposes. They have very few disadvantages when compared with other types of plastic, but they still exist. This must be taken into account.

Let's look at some of the disadvantages of polypropylene products:

It is strictly forbidden to use in containers made of polypropylene. alcoholic drinks, this is dangerous to human life and health. This can affect your kidneys and vision. Also affects the central nervous system.
Disposable plastic tableware is intended for one-time use.
It is not recommended to buy polypropylene products from unknown manufacturers without marking the type of plastic.
Avoid contact with fire.
Not recommended long-term storage products in a plastic container.

These were the disadvantages of using plastic utensils. Overall it has good positive traits. At correct use it is completely safe.

Recommendations that will only bring benefits from using plastic utensils

Products made from polypropylene are considered safe. Therefore, they are in wide demand.

It is not recommended to use disposable tableware multiple times.
Food containers made of polypropylene must be replaced with new ones after approximately 5-6 months from the moment of use.
Do not store food in a polypropylene container for a long time, then it will not be dangerous.
When purchasing, pay attention to the quality of the products.
Very often, unscrupulous manufacturers use non-food plastic containers in their production, so you must always pay attention to the labeling.
When unpleasant odor on products, you must discard them.
Items made of polypropylene must be disposed of as household waste, which goes to waste treatment plants. Since this plastic decomposes in the soil for a very long time, and when burned, it begins to release dangerous toxic substances.

Domestic scientists claim that certified polypropylene tableware is safe, but only if it is used for its intended purpose, observing the terms and storage rules. If someone is still worried about their health, then there is always an alternative. You can use dishes made of paper or bamboo.

What is the secret of the popularity of plastic tableware? Why are these products in great demand among absolutely different people? The fact is that it is convenient - indispensable at picnics, buffets, and can often be seen in fast foods and snack bars. Despite its low cost, it has a number of advantages - environmental friendliness, safety, light weight, practicality, spaciousness. If you want to buy plastic utensils, contact our store “World of Bags”!

Types of plastic utensils and their features

Plastic tableware is divided into two large groups - disposable and reusable. The first is made of less strong and durable plastic, and is thrown away immediately after use. The second can be used more than once (as a rule, these are all kinds of containers, trays, bottles, etc.). Before buying disposable plastic tableware, you should ask what material it is made of - polystyrene (more fragile and thinner, withstands temperatures up to 70°) or propylene (much stronger, withstands temperatures up to 130°). Less common are products made from polyactides and other biodegradable materials (they completely decompose within a few months).

Plastic utensils - basic requirements

Food-grade plastic utensils for food products are products that have a large list of requirements. The main ones include:

Attractive appearance. Disposable tableware for a buffet table, picnic or other event should be beautiful - evenly colored (if it is colored), without deformation or other defects. This is the only way you and your guests will enjoy using it;
Compliance with generally accepted hygienic and medical requirements. Since plastic disposable tableware comes into contact with food that a person eats, its poor quality can cause serious harm to health. If you don’t want to take risks, contact our plastic tableware store in Moscow “World of Bags” - we provide a guarantee for all our products;
Resistance to acids and fats;
Resistant to high temperatures. If you plan to use food containers or other utensils for hot foods and drinks, you should choose products made from durable propylene of sufficient thickness;
Resistance to deformation, elasticity;
Light weight, spacious;
Disposable spoons, forks and knives should not bend or break during use.

How to buy plastic dishes at an affordable price?

Tableware made from food grade polypropylene intended for use in the temperature range from –25 to +110 °C. You can store hot and cold foods in it. Food products placed in it can be heated in a microwave oven, cooked in a steam oven (steamer), stored in a refrigerator or freezer. These dishes can be washed in the dishwasher, and you can boil water in them using an electric boiler.

Polypropylene is a modern, high-quality and environmentally friendly polymer material. Its use makes it possible to realize the dream of dishes with lines of any complexity that are chemically neutral and do not interact with food.

The conditions for obtaining this material are similar to those under which polyethylene is produced. However, compared to it, polypropylene has a number of advantages:

resistance to corrosion and cracking;
hardness and abrasion resistance;
chemical resistance - reacts only with strong oxidizing agents, absolutely neutral in relation to food;
The maximum temperature for using polypropylene cookware is +110 °C.

Range

The Tekhosnastka company offers wide choose environmentally friendly tableware made from food-grade polypropylene. In our catalog you will find:

spoons, forks and knives;
plates and bowls;
funnels;
picnic and travel sets;
sets for drinks and brewing tea and herbs;
dishes, microwave lids and other utensils made from antimicrobial plastic.

Our advantages:

fast processing and execution of orders;
delivery of purchases by courier in Moscow, transport companies or mail to the regions, pickup is also possible;
guaranteed product quality and manufacturer prices;
promotions and discounts for regular customers.

There is no point in writing about the fact that many people use plastic utensils - this known fact. We use it especially often in nature. It's really very convenient. Although one of my friends regularly uses such dishes for the holidays, when many guests come to her house. I repeatedly told her that it is not very beautiful, firstly, and, secondly, it can still be harmful. But she doesn’t like to wash mountains of dishes after the holidays, and she often organizes the holidays themselves. And, by the way, none of the guests had such utensils. festive table doesn’t bother you (or they are discreetly silent about it).

In addition to outdoor use, some housewives and homes use plastic products: salad bowls, glasses, food storage containers, etc. And I was wondering: is plastic tableware harmful or is it better to give it up? Does it cause harm to health or is it just another “horror story”? Let's figure it out.

What kind of plastic is there?

Plastic is a material made from high molecular weight compounds, obtained by “cross-linking” synthetic or natural short molecules of a substance into longer chains. When damaged, exposed to other substances, heated or aged, these chains break and monomers of the main substance are released into our food or into the air. The most famous and commonly used types of plastic are polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene and polycarbonate.

Any of the listed types of plastic deteriorates in the following cases:

With aging (it breaks down and releases decay products).
For various damages (cracks and scratches).
From heating.
When exposed to alkaline substances.
From contact with alcohol-containing liquids.
From contact with fats.

It is recommended not to use reusable plastic food products more than a year. And that's provided that there isn't a single scratch on them.. Otherwise, throw it in the trash without regret. Disposable tableware should be used once and for no more than four hours.

Never Do not reuse disposable tableware!

How to understand that plastic is aging and is not suitable for further use? Very simple. The plastic becomes cloudy and difficult to wash, unpleasant to the touch, retains food odors or emits some of its own. If you notice even one small scratch on the plastic, throw it away! It is no longer suitable for use in the kitchen!

About the dangers of plastic and its components

Plastic itself is not harmful or toxic, which is why it is used to make tableware. But pure plastic is fragile and unstable to various temperatures. Therefore, some stabilizers are added to it to make it stronger. Unfortunately, along with its strength, plastic becomes toxic.

Various solvents and additives used for production plastic dishes and entering food under certain conditions (see above), they release toxic substances that have an extremely negative effect on our body.

The most common of them:

Formaldehyde – negatively affects the central nervous system (CNS), reproductive function, affects internal organs, provokes allergies.
Phthalates – lead to infertility.
Methanol - the real poison. It affects the central nervous system, organs of vision, and causes chronic intoxication.
Styrene – has a very strong effect on the central nervous system, disrupts metabolism, provokes malfunctions in the hematopoietic system, and has an extremely negative effect on blood vessels.
Bisphenol A – gradually accumulates in the body, causing irreversible changes reproductive system and complications of pregnancy, increases the risk of disease diabetes mellitus and oncological diseases.
Vinyl chloride – poison, carcinogen, mutagen. Provokes the development of cancer of the brain, liver, lungs, and lymphatic system. And the longer a drink is stored in a plastic bottle, the more polyvinyl chloride it contains. A week after filling the bottle, the drink becomes harmful.

There is a myth that disposable and reusable plastic is coated with a special protective layer. Nothing like this! This is just a myth. There is no protective layer on such dishes. This fairy tale was invented by manufacturers of plastic tableware to reassure us, the consumers. A small scratch on such dishes can (and will) cause toxic substances to enter our food and then our bodies..

Another challenge: plastic recycling. As a result of such processing, it is generally impossible to understand the composition of the material. Manufacturers must mark and indicate on the bottom of the product what plastic the dishes are made of, but, unfortunately, not everyone does this. And you and I simply do not have the ability to understand and determine what we are holding in our hands and how safe it is.

The generally accepted markings of utensils in which food can be stored are forks and glasses. If the fork and glass are crossed out, it means that this product is strictly forbidden to be used for food products.

In addition, the dishes must indicate what products they can be used for: cold or hot, bulk or liquid, for freezing, for the microwave, etc.

Important! Plastic utensils marked “microwave safe” and “for hot foods” are completely different ways use. You can only use utensils in the microwave that have the icon: wave oven or the word “microwave safe.” The marking “for hot foods” means that you can drink and eat hot food from this container, but under no circumstances should you cook or heat it in this container. Remember that with frequent use of utensils for hot foods, the “aging effect” begins and it is advisable not to use such utensils repeatedly.

Russian scientists have conducted a number of studies and claim that plastic utensils are absolutely safe, but only if used correctly and replaced in a timely manner .

Separately about plastic bottles

There is no doubt that a plastic bottle is very convenient and practical. Unlike glass, it will never break. And very often a disposable bottle turns into a reusable one. This is especially true for bottles with easy-to-drink necks, which mothers use to give their young children something to drink. The danger is that almost all plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate, which is practically unstable to shock loads, transmits ultraviolet light and oxygen well, significantly worsening the quality of the drink, and polyvinyl chloride, the dangers of which have already been mentioned above.

You will say that these bottles are reusable with special markings. Yes you are right. But you can’t put anything in them except water. . And mothers pour everything into them: juices, compotes, jelly, even dairy products.

Eat great way checking the container for safety: press the bottle with your fingernail and look at the result. If there is a white stripe left on the plastic, then it is better to throw away such a bottle - it may well harm your health.

How to use plastic utensils without harm?

No matter how much they scare us, we are unlikely to give up using plastic utensils. Because it is inexpensive, convenient and hygienic.

In order not to harm your health when using such utensils, it is enough to follow some important and simple rules:

Always use utensils as labeled.
Do not use regular plastic utensils in the microwave.
Do not use disposable plastic packaging for storing or freezing food.
Always use disposable tableware – once!
Always crumple up disposable tableware after use (especially in food service areas).
Never cook foods high in sugar, fat or acids in plastic containers (even if the label says so).
Do not drink alcoholic beverages from plastic cups.
When you come home from the store, remove the packaging film from the products.
Try to buy baby food in glass or cardboard containers.
Buy baby plastic bottles only with the “BPA-free” symbol, or it would be better to avoid using plastic in baby dishes altogether.
Do not allow water to stagnate in the jug with a cleaning filter; change the water in it regularly. If the jug becomes cloudy, throw it away without hesitation.
Do not wash reusable plastic dishes with brushes or hard brushes, or use cleaning powder.
Never burn empty plastic bottles or other plastic products in a fire, stove or fireplace (used plastic is best disposed of in a special container).

Summarize

Of course, it is best to give up plastic utensils. But we understand perfectly well that in practice this is very problematic. Well, you can’t go into nature with porcelain or ceramic plates, Truth? Plastic ones are much more convenient and practical. Although lately we are increasingly buying disposable cardboard plates and glasses when going outdoors. Forks and spoons remain plastic, since there is no other alternative yet.

For the child, I specially take an ordinary spoon from home and, if possible, do not let him eat or drink from plastic dishes. At home I don’t use plastic containers for storing food at all, only glass ones.

There are so many around us harmful factors which negatively affect our health. So why not reduce this number at least a little. Watch not only what you eat, but also what you eat from, and be healthy!

Elena Belokonova

Disposable tableware: benefits and harms

Disposable tableware is very convenient!

Today, many have come to this conclusion, primarily because of the properties that it possesses. Disposable tableware (paper and plastic tableware) does not break, is lightweight, does not require much space for storage, and is cheaper than glass.

Due to the fact that plastic tableware does not break and is easy to clean, it is sometimes used as reusable tableware, but few people have thought about the harm that comes from disposable tableware.

Authoritative researchers have concluded that reusable use of disposable tableware can lead to the appearance of malignant tumors, general fatigue and headaches. Allergies, attacks of bronchial asthma, even mutagenic changes in the body may appear.

Consumer properties

The consumer properties of disposable tableware are those characteristics of disposable tableware that the consumer most often pays attention to when choosing tableware and which are the most important for its use.

Safety of disposable food and drink utensils (i.e. it is important that they meet hygienic and health requirements).
Aesthetic component: disposable tableware should have an attractive appearance: a variety of colors, possible availability drawings, absence of various kinds of deformations and the presence of foreign materials, etc.
Heat resistance characteristics (preservation of temperature and durability of properties in contact with hot drinks and food).
Possibility of use for both cold and hot dishes and drinks.
The ability to use disposable tableware both for storing food in the refrigerator and for heating or cooking food in a microwave oven, etc.
The presence of such properties as frost resistance (for certain categories of disposable tableware).
Resistant to chemicals such as alkalis, acids and fats.
The presence of such a property as thermostaticity (the ability to hold dishes with hot food or drink in your hands without burning your hands).

Strength, resistance to deformation.
Elasticity.
For items such as knives and forks, their primary properties are to cut and pierce without deforming these cutlery.
Sustainability.
Availability of various shapes and sizes.
Disposable tableware should have sufficient capacity, and at the same time be compact and light in weight.
Environmentally friendly and easy to recycle.

You can't eat from plates like this twice.

Experts say: plates, forks, spoons and cups from polymer materials cannot be used more than once.

This even applies to plastic water bottles. It is strictly forbidden to pour milk or alcoholic drinks into it - the result will be a poisonous mixture.

The main rule when choosing disposable tableware is to carefully read the labeling. Every branded product should have a sign showing what the packaging is made of. If there is no labeling, then it is better to protect your health and purchase the product in glass containers.

The PVC (PVC-polyvinyl chloride) symbol or the number 3 in a triangle on the bottom of the bottle or plastic packaging warns the buyer that it is toxic.

Besides being harmless glass containers There is harmless food plastic, which is marked with the letters:

RE (PE)- polyethylene,
PETF (PET) or PET (PET)- polyethylene terephthalate,
RR (PP)- polypropylene.
PS (PS)- means polystyrene (its code is number 6).
In addition, safety is confirmed image of a plate and fork, numbers 05 and 1.

Markings on disposable tableware - what does it mean?
Not all buyers know what the marking means and how such utensils can be used.

	This marking indicates that the cookware is made from polystyrene. It can only be used for cold foods. You should never heat food on them in microwaves. In this case, harmful toxins enter the food. In addition, you should not pour alcoholic beverages into containers with this marking, since this also releases toxic substances. The styrene released accumulates in the kidneys and liver and leads to various diseases.
	Plastic with this marking is made from polypropylene. Dishes with this marking can be used for hot drinks and foods. Such dishes can withstand up to +100° C. You can drink hot tea and coffee from polypropylene glasses, and heat food on plates in the microwave. You cannot pour alcohol. The contact of alcohol and polypropylene releases toxins - formaldehyde and phenol. These toxins also damage the kidneys and liver, but there is still a chance of going blind
	A triangle on the packaging consisting of three arrows, says the dishes are made from recycled materials. Inside the triangle, as a rule, there are numbers. They talk about the type of processing. So if you see 1-19 is plastic, 20-39 - paper and cardboard, 40-49 - metal, 50-59 - wood, 60-69 - fabric and textiles, 70-79 - glass.
	Drawn on the packaging glass-fork sign means that the dishes are suitable for any dishes, including first (hot) dishes. If the icon is applied to the packaging in this form, then the products can even be stored in such containers And here if such an icon is underlined, plastic products not intended for contact with food.

Dangerous plastic

We often underestimate the danger it can pose to our health. It turns out that there are relatively safe and dangerous plastics. Since we still have no way out, we should take care of choosing the lesser evil. Some types of plastic are truly dangerous.

Information about the material used in the manufacture of the packaging is located on its bottom in the form of a graphic symbol consisting of three arrows forming a triangle. In the middle of the triangle are numbers from 1 to 7, indicating the type of material from which the packaging is made.

What are these numbers?

1 - PET

This plastic is mainly used in the production of disposable beverage containers. Typical PET packaging is mineral water bottles. Such packaging, even after thorough cleaning, may release toxic chemicals when reused. Never reuse this type of material.

2 - HDPE (LDPE)

Polyethylene low pressure (high density) is used for the production of semi-rigid containers, it is one of the safest plastics and can be reused.

3 - PCV (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride is very often used, for example, in the production of food packaging film. PVC is hazardous to health and can release toxins. When PVC burns, it produces highly hazardous chemicals known as dioxins, which are often more dangerous than potassium cyanide.

4 - LDPE (HDPE)

Polyethylene high pressure(low density) used to produce many types of packaging (e.g. plastic bags), considered acceptable for reuse and safer than many other plastics, but not as safe as plastics 2 and 5.

5 - PP (PP)

Reusable polypropylene is often found as a material for food containers. It belongs to the group of the safest plastics along with material 2 (HDPE).

6 - PS (PS)

Polystyrene is well known in the form of polystyrene foam. PS releases toxins and should not be used as food packaging. It is also rarely used for this purpose due to the lower chemical resistance of polyethylene, but is present, for example, in lids for disposable coffee cups.

7 - OTHER

Never reuse plastic products marked with number 7. This group includes many types of harmful chemical substances, including also the highly toxic bisphenol A (BPA), which can contribute to schizophrenia, depression or Alzheimer's disease. In addition, consuming foods that come into contact with BPA may cause nerve and endocrine systems, and even to cancer. Under no circumstances should such products be used in microwave ovens as they may cause damage. deep penetration bisphenol A in food.

Most often it is found in:

To avoid poisoning from packaged food, you should take into account simple nuances.

First of all, remember that disposable tableware is disposable

Nowadays, plastic is an integral part of our lives, and you won’t be able to get rid of it quickly in the kitchen. But you can try to minimize harmful effects plastic on our health. For this:

1. Use only plastics marked 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP) to store food.

2. Do not use plastic of other categories for storing food, but recycle it. Do not reuse PET bottles or microwave food in the food trays you bought it in (unless the packaging states that they are suitable for this purpose).

2. Do not microwave food in packages containing BPA (Group 7), do not pour hot liquids into them, or put them in the dishwasher.

3. Use all plastic packaging in accordance with the instructions on them (recommendations for temperature, use dishwasher etc.).

4. Don't buy mineral water in plastic containers that have been standing in the sun, and it is best to buy drinks (including milk, kefir, yogurt) in glass containers.

Disposable packaging and utensils are designed to be used once. There is no point in leaving them in reserve for storing other products.
After use, the thin protective layer on the plastic is destroyed and this cookware cannot be reused.

Always pay attention to the appearance of the packaging, its integrity, legibility of the inscription, and expiration date.

Principle 1. Disposable tableware can be used strictly for its intended purpose.
On each type of disposable tableware there is an indication of what it is intended for: cold, hot, cold drinks, alcohol, etc. If you pour a hot drink into a glass intended for cold drinks, the plastic begins to release toxic substances.

Principle 2. Never leave the product in open jar even in the refrigerator. Either buy a smaller package or seal tightly.

Principle 3. You cannot store any food in disposable containers, especially used ones.
After using disposable tableware, the protective layer is destroyed, and when products, such as sugar, are stored in it, toxic substances pass into the product.

Principle 4. It is better not to take meat and cheese in packaging

Principle 5. Plastic dishes are not intended for ethanol-containing substances - alcohol.
Ethanol is an aggressive solvent. The toxic substances in the plastic begin to dissolve and end up in the drink.

Principle 6. The best option for disposable tableware is paper.

Principle 7. Plastic tableware often contains melamine, which is especially abundant in bright multi-colored dishes, intended for children. In its normal state it is not dangerous, but if you put something hot on a plate, medanin begins to release toxins, which enter the human body with food.
Paper is cellulose. Even if its particles enter the body, nothing bad will happen.

Plastic bottles impair potency

While disposable cups are usually thrown away, convenient plastic bottles often remain in use.

In them under no circumstances you can't pour milk, since the fats in it are able to dissolve some polymers, alcoholic drinks, kvass, compote. Polymers tend to “age” under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, so over time they begin to release substances harmful to humans.

Scientists from the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH and Harvard Medical School have concluded that plastic bottles are not as harmless to health as is commonly believed.

Constant consumption of drinks from plastic bottles increases the level of the chemical bisphenol A in the body, which affects sex hormones, by more than two-thirds, says Associate Professor Karin H. Michels.

This substance, which itself resembles the female hormone estrogen, is used in the production of packaging and jars for food and drinks, as well as baby bottles. The study found that the levels of bisphenol A in the urine of subjects who drank all drinks from plastic bottles for a week increased by 69.

Heating plastic bottles, as parents do when they want to warm milk for their children, allows the chemical to leach into the liquid contents in dangerous quantities. "This is concerning because children may be particularly susceptible to BPA, which can cause hormone disruption," Michels said. Previous studies have shown that high level Consumption of bisphenol A leads to birth defects, growth problems and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, the article notes.