I was under the impression that all heated plastic releases cancer causing carcinogens, so why are companies able to sell products who’s instructed cooking method is harmful to people’s health?
In: 116
Not all heated plastic will release carcinogens, and even if they do, it may not be at a detectable level.
Some plastics also have the following properties:
– High(er) thermal resistance
– Low(er) leechable content
– Thermal resistant coating
(And many more other properties).
Especially for food-grade containers, companies have to demonstrate to the FDA that 1) the initial container is food-safe (think bottles / jars / trays); 2) if a cooking implement (aka the tray) is intended for food preparation, that it is food safe at both storage and preparation temperatures; 3) the food is safe to eat after it is prepared in or out of the implement. Explaining how each of them is done is out of bounds for ELI5 than I already am.
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