Dangers of plastic containers

Plastic is a material made from chemicals called monomers and plasticizer, the two substances are melted in a very hot temperature, and then pressed in such a manner appropriate to the desired shape and then dididinginkan back.
The form is to be accommodating, airtight, protect, give identity to the food, helping consumers in selling products, as media campaigns, efficient, made from plastic containers into an irreplaceable medium for humans, including accommodate food.
Dr. Yadi Haryadi, food expert from Bogor Agricultural University, the talk show as a container-Friendly Plastics for Health and Environment said that, its function can protect the body from dust, contamination from microorganisms protect, protect from the influence of oxygen, air tight, and protect from the influence light makes the plastic functions as the object of desire to help store food.
However, unfortunately, in certain conditions and circumstances, the plastic can be harmful to the body. In relation to food storage (as a container or packaging), there is a plastic that is safe to store food, there is not.
Food safe plastic called a food contact materials. Dr. Yadi said that, all objects that intersect the surface or in contact with food (food contact materials) can cause health problems. Examples of food contact materials: cutting boards, cooking utensils, dishes, and the packing / accommodate / store food, and others.
If there is contact between the plastic with a packaged food, displacement may occur earlier chemicals into food. This phenomenon is called migration, explained Dr. Yadi. If the chemicals had entered into the system the human body, it can trigger some diseases, like cancer.
But not all plastics pose a hazard, there are also other types of plastic that is relatively safe, such as those made of polyethylene terepthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Then, how do we know that the container or packaging that we use for food is safe or not to store food?
Dr. Yadi explains that one way is easy to recognize that the product is safe for food is to check whether the product has a safe for food, or so-called safe food or food grade. There are symbols that represent a sign that the plastic is safe for contact with the material, for example, the symbol of Europe, a silhouette of a glass and fork, or food grade paper, or paper approved by the FDA, or trademarks that have been patented, there is a TM symbol ( trade mark) or R (Registered).
Dr. Yadi share tips on buying a plastic container that is guaranteed safe;
1. If available in the stores visited, choose a container / packaging of the brands that are well known and trusted.
2. Believe that the brand purchased is genuine, not artificial. If necessary, buy from the representative / authorized dealers.
3. Do not be tempted by cheap prices. Expensive little minimize health risks and safety of the family is better than sorry.
4. When there are instructions on the use containers, follow these instructions consistently.
Many plastics are circulating outside the used arbitrarily without knowing that the plastic can contaminate foods are sold. Black plastic (plastic crackle) is often used as a tool to store and distribute food by hawkers, because they are cheap, easily obtainable, and lightweight, this plastic food storage containers made to bloom, but it is not safe for food. Be careful typing buy food out there. At the same event, Shahnaz Haque, presenters, give tips, that if he would buy food without packaging, for example, beef or fish that is not packaged by nature, she will usually bring their own containers to ensure safe use of plastic chemicals, also does not spill.
In addition, Dr. Yadi is also advised that children be given the knowledge to not snack at random, because parents are not always able to oversee food and containers used to eat children. Do not also buy hot oily liquid foods (eg meat balls) wrapped in plastic and then consumed later. Migration of chemicals triggered by heat, acid, oil, and contact with food in a long time. Also avoid buying fried foods are distributed in a black plastic bag.