It’s likely that you’ve ordered takeout or delivery recently. As per Market.us Scoop, approximately 60% of U.S. consumers place online food orders at least twice a week. If you had leftovers, you might have chosen to store them in the refrigerator, particularly if they came in a durable plastic container. After all, it saves you from washing dishes, and it’s convenient to reheat in the microwave later.
However, food safety experts suggest reconsidering this habit. Shanina Knighton, an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University, mentioned to Well & Good that these containers contain chemicals such as microplastics, phthalates, and bisphenol-A (BPA).
“When these plastics are heated, they can degrade and release harmful chemicals into your food, increasing your exposure to toxins,” she noted. “The hotter, greasier, or more acidic your food is, the more likely these chemicals will leach into your meal,” Knighton added. (This is another reason to reconsider reheating oily foods in the microwave.)
Why the chemicals in plastic takeout containers might make you sick
The Stanford Report suggests that people consume a quantity of microplastic each week equivalent to a credit card. Though the full impact on human health is still under investigation, studies involving animals and human cells suggest that microplastics may be associated with cancer, cardiovascular issues, and fertility concerns. (Discover the unexpected method scientists use to detect microplastics in our bodies.)
Regarding phthalates, WebMD indicates that research shows these chemicals may disrupt multiple organ systems and adversely affect both reproductive health and child development. One study even found a link between increased phthalate exposure and a higher risk of early death in older adults.
BPA has been associated with various health issues, including infertility in both men and women, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (ovarian, breast, prostate, and colon), birth defects, and a host of childhood health problems. Test-tube studies also suggest it may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy.
How to store and reheat your takeout leftovers safely
Opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers to store leftovers and avoid potential hazards associated with plastic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises refrigerating cooked foods within two hours of preparation. Otherwise, they should be discarded since harmful bacteria can proliferate rapidly at room temperature. Leftovers should be placed in airtight packaging or sealed containers to prevent bacteria contamination and to keep them moist and odor-free. If you won’t consume them within three to four days, they can be frozen for up to three to four months.
To safely reheat frozen leftovers, the USDA recommends thawing them first using one of three methods: in the refrigerator (slowest but safest), in cold water (faster but requires caution to avoid contamination), or in the microwave (quickest, but food must be cooked immediately to 165 degrees Fahrenheit). Alternatively, you can reheat frozen leftovers without thawing, though it will take longer. Leftovers kept in the fridge can go directly into the microwave.
Ensure food reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer, cover dishes to retain moisture, and stir or rotate food for even heating, particularly in the microwave, which can leave cold spots. Lastly, never microwave food in plastic containers unless they are explicitly labeled as microwave-safe.
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