Interesting Read on PFAS in Food Packaging and Its Impact


 
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PhilipHedrick

TVWBB Fan
Hi everyone,

I came across an interesting article recently discussing the presence of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in food packaging. It's a topic that's been getting more attention due to the potential health risks associated with these chemicals. The article takes a deeper dive into how PFAS are commonly used in food packaging, their possible effects and what alternatives are being explored.

If you're interested in learning more about how food packaging could impact our health and what steps are being taken to address the issue, here's the link to the article I found: PFAS in Food Packaging.

It made me think a lot about the choices we make in food storage and packaging. What are your thoughts on the topic?
 
I totally understand where you're coming from, it can definitely feel overwhelming with all the information out there about food packaging and chemicals. It seems like every day there's a new concern to think about! I think it's important to stay informed but also to balance it with some peace of mind. At the end of the day, being aware of these things can help us make more informed decisions but it's also okay to take a step back when it feels too much.

How do you usually approach these kinds of topics? Any tips for navigating all the info out there without feeling overloaded?
 
When you do decide to tune back in, are there specific things you focus on, like certain trusted sources or topics that interest you the most? I’m always curious how others navigate the balance between staying informed and avoiding burnout.
 
I've had about the worst industry could throw at me. I have mild COPD thanks to asbestos (mechanic in late 60s early 70s) before it was banned, grew up drinking water that came in through lead pipes, smoked, ate or drank about every "poison" out there, played with mercury, and more other stuff than I can remember. Still here. Not saying I did myself any good, I'm sure I'd be in better shape today had I not done or been through all this. But at this point I'm kind of "over it". Yeah I pay attention to a point but so much of this stuff is so far over my head and out of my realm of even remotely comprehending, it just becomes noise. Like the wah wah sound in the old Charlie Brown cartoons. So, I simply shut it out. Right thing to do? IDK. No likely for everyone but for my sanity.....................it is
 
In all honesty...... I've read so many "studies" over the years where the authors have taken pains to hide their motivation.... Even before I dig into something like this, I'm already questioning what's led up to it. Last one was a couple of weeks ago decrying "black plastic" kitchen utensils. The articles were all complete rubbish, only referring to "black plastic" being bad for us and absolutely zero mention of the compounds. To me, this just screams "I HAVE AN AXE TO GRIND" with zero substance. Hence, I have a VERY jaundiced eye.
 
JKalchik said:
Last one was a couple of weeks ago decrying "black plastic" kitchen utensils. The articles were all complete rubbish, only referring to "black plastic" being bad for us and absolutely zero mention of the compounds.
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I just read about black plastic utensils this morning. The gist of it was that black plastic utensils are often made from recycled electronics waste plastic containing fire retardants, common in television and computer housings, and especially concerning when coming into contact with hot cooking oils and acids which can leach out these chemicals. No good way to tell if your utensils are OK or not. Suggested alternatives are stainless steel, wooden, and silicone utensils. Mrs. TVWB and I are pondering what, if anything, is our next move. Some we don't use much and can easily discard, but a few are some of our favorites and we will probably just keep them.

Our old Rubbermaid polycarbonate storage containers are due for replacement soon, might be looking for something different this time around. I try not to get too worked up about stuff like this, but on the other hand good information is power and can help one make better informed decisions. I like to think I'm not such an old dog that I can't learn new tricks! 🐶
 
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Chris Allingham said:
I just read about black plastic utensils this morning. The gist of it was that black plastic utensils are often made from recycled electronics waste plastic containing fire retardants, common in television and computer housings, and especially concerning when coming into contact with hot cooking oils and acids which can leach out these chemicals. No good way to tell if your utensils are OK or not. Suggested alternatives are stainless steel, wooden, and silicone utensils. Mrs. TVWB and I are pondering what, if anything, is our next move. Some we don't use much and can easily discard, but a few are some of our favorites and we will probably just keep them.

Our old Rubbermaid polycarbonate storage containers are due for replacement soon, might be looking for something different this time around. I try not to get too worked up about stuff like this, but on the other hand good information is power and can help one make better informed decisions. I like to think I'm not such an old dog that I can't learn new tricks! 🐶
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And there's a major issue with plastics recycling, control of the waste stream. IMO, it's simply not sufficient to grind, melt and re-extrude recycled plastics, there really does need to be some significant lab work and reprocessing, which, quite bluntly, is expensive. The couple of articles I skimmed on this completely dropped the recycled aspect and wrung their hands over "black plastic."

I used to work for a plastics molder, albeit, none of the product came into direct food contact, a lot is used for commercial and industrial lighting (close proximity to food.) While none of the manufacturing had FDA overview, the company was highly critical of the use of regrind (produced only from internal waste,) and would only purchase virgin resin otherwise. Nobody else that I ever talked to in the industry at the time (30+ years ago) would have considered doing business otherwise. Having said that..... outside the USA, or even inside.... unscrupulous people abound.
 
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