Does Tupperware leach chemicals?
While the vast majority of Tupperware products are considered safe, for example, some of its food storage containers use polycarbonate (plastic #7), which has been shown to leach the harmful hormone-disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) into food items after repeated uses.
Tupperware containers without decorations are said to be safe as they don't contain arsenic and lead. However, colorful Tupperware containers may contain harmful chemicals such as cadmium which destroys kidneys, bones, and lungs, and also mercury which alters immune and digestive systems, including other vital organs.
If you look at the bottom of your plastic food storage containers and they have a #2, #4, or #5, those are generally recognized as safe for food and drink. If any of your containers have a #3, #6, or #7, those should be disposed of because they are considered high-risk plastics.
As research has progressed in the study of plastics, it's been proven that plastic food containers can be extremely detrimental to our health. Plastic containers slowly leach chemicals into the food and beverages we store in them. Tupperware officially outlawed the use of Bisphenol A (BPAs) in their products in 2010.
Health warning: Your vintage Tupperware may contain harmful lead and arsenic. For anyone who grew up in the 1950s, '60s or even '70s, brightly-coloured Tupperware was likely a fixture in your kitchen.
How long your containers last depends on how well you care for them, and the quality of plastic they're made of. You'll know it's time to toss your containers if they become warped or cracked. Keep in mind deep scratches can trap bacteria, too.
I - Tamara Rubin (aka #LeadSafeMama) - tested vintage Tupperware products in March of 2019 and found many examples (in different colors, styles and products) were positive for unsafe levels of LEAD (Pb), MERCURY (Hg), CADMIUM (Cd) and ARSENIC (As) (by modern standards) when tested with an XRF instrument in Consumer ...
Testing of the “Daffodil Yellow” vintage (circa 1972) Tupperware. In follow-up testing of the other product colours – she found some tested positive for mercury and cadmium– as well as lead and arsenic – all metals that are poisonous to humans.
As of March 2010, items sold by Tupperware US & CA are BPA free. Join us in our mission to Do Good for people and the planet through thoughtful and conscientious product innovation and design practices that help to better lives and reduce waste.
According to Tupperware.com, the company's BPA-free plastic containers are recyclable, and many are labeled with recycling codes to help recycling centers best sort them. So turn over the container and check for that familiar triangle made of three chasing arrows. This is the universal plastic resin symbol.
Is it better to use glass or plastic Tupperware?
Glass provides a healthier alternative
When it comes to health benefits and safety in the kitchen, glass is a better material. But, unfortunately, even BPA-free plastics are prone to releasing toxic chemicals if heated. This makes washing, microwaving, and heating plastic containers a threat to your health.
- Glass Canning Jars. Tried and true canning jars have been used for years to keep foods fresh and safe and can be used over and over again. ...
- Glass Storage Containers. Most sets come with a lid for convenience. ...
- Silicone Containers. ...
- Cloth Food Sacks. ...
- Stainless Steel.
The most reliable way to check whether an item is BPA-free is to consult the plastic identification code number — usually stamped on the bottom of the container. There are seven categories, where numbers 1 to 6 are free of BPA. This means that only those printed with the number 7 will contain the chemical.
In its continuous search for the best materials for use in its products, Tupperware has found other materials with improved performance characteristics that have been approved by regulators to be BPA free to replace polycarbonate. As of March 2010, items sold by Tupperware US & CA are BPA free.
Testing of the “Daffodil Yellow” vintage (circa 1972) Tupperware. In follow-up testing of the other product colours – she found some tested positive for mercury and cadmium– as well as lead and arsenic – all metals that are poisonous to humans.
Tupperware bottles can be used for all eternity. They will never leach anything harmful into your water no matter how many times they are run through the dishwasher. If one ever breaks, peels, or cracks, it will be replaced free (with possible s&h and tax).
Most Tupperware is made with low-density polyethylene (LDPE, also called plastic #4) and polypropylene (PP, or plastic #5). These are considered safe plastics to use with foods.
