Written by Shailaja Kumareson

Edited by Esther Swamidason

Did you know that as we speak, scientists are working on several toxicology studies?

Toxicology is an upcoming field integrating knowledge of biology, chemistry and pharmacology involving the study to assess if substances are harmful to humans or not. It’s a time consuming and laborious process and therefore, is not performed on each and every substance. It is well known within the sector of pharmacology, where a compulsory toxicology test is performed on medicines before its release in to the market. Recently, scientists of the field have been focussing on the toxic load of substances that humans are exposed to on a daily basis.

If you think about it, several substances we use are chemically synthesised or are concoction of chemicals. Most of us would be familiar with the surge of plant-based materials that have replaced plastic. Plant-based items are not devoid of plastic! They contain artificial, lab-made compounds like plastic that interact with biological constitutes in plants to make synthetic materials. Here, the question arises: are they actually healthier alternatives?

A few weeks back, the Food Standards Agency released a few key findings following extensive research and consultation with the Committee on Toxicity. Findings show that toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and melamine leach into food from Bamboo composites. These are materials that have a mixture of bamboo and plastics used in many food packages, takeaway cutlery, chopping boards, bowls, plates, drinking cups and so on. Are you as shocked as I am? For several years now, experts have encouraged us to switch to plant-based alternatives to reduce plastic usage, but could this actually be leading to something worse? This doesn’t mean you should completely avoid plant-based products or store all your utensils away. Compounds like formaldehyde naturally occur in small quantities in our bodies, but accumulating them over time can pose severe health concerns.

However, you should be mindful of safe ways of using them. For example, it is a common practice to use synthetic materials to hold hot food but this report specifically mentions that the chemical leaching is evident when heated or in contact with acidic foods. Manufacturers often combine rice husks, wheat straw, and hemp with small amounts of plastics to create synthetic products. These materials can be challenging to identify, as they typically have a smooth, plastic-like texture. If packaged, you can read the label to determine their composition. In the UK, authorities advise businesses to remove such materials from food contact.

So what can we do about this? Here are 10 tips of how we can be safe while also being eco-friendly:

• Read Labels Carefully: Always check the material composition on labels when buying plant-based utensils, food containers, or kitchenware. Look for any mention of plastics or synthetic materials mixed with natural fibres.
• Avoid Heating Food in Synthetic Containers or storing hot food in them.
• When using plant-based materials, avoid placing acidic foods in these containers.
• Opt for Pure Natural Materials like wood or clay.
• Keep up-to-date with guidelines from food safety authorities like the Food Standards Agency.
• Limit your use of synthetic materials in the kitchen, particularly for food storage or serving.
• Rinse New Kitchenware Thoroughly before first use.
• Educate Others so they can also make safer choices regarding the materials they use in their kitchens.
• Be Skeptical of “Eco-Friendly” Labels: Do your research before purchasing.
• Explore alternatives like ceramic, glass, or food-safe silicone for kitchen items, which are less likely to have toxic chemical leaching concerns compared to plant-based synthetics.

This is the reason why results from toxicology reports get me anxious, but it’s important to know them and make better decisions and healthier choices daily.

References:

Food Standards Agency. (2024). Updated notice on plastic containers and utensils containing bamboo. [online] Available at: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/updated-notice-on-plastic-containers-and-utensils-containing-bamboo [Accessed 10 Aug. 2024].

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