You may have read alarming headlines about black plastic recently. A study published in Chemosphere reported high levels of toxic flame retardants in household items made from black plastic.
However, it was later discovered that the researchers made a math error when calculating the “maximum exposure” limits for black plastic, exaggerating the risks and leaving you confused about what to do with your utensils.
If you’re looking to minimize all risks of toxins that may affect your food, the best approach is to avoid black plastic. If you’re less concerned about health and prefer to stick with your utensils, just take precautions: avoid exposing black plastic to heat and regularly check for signs of peeling or chipping — as this can end up in your food.
Where should you start?
First, take a look at your kitchen to get an overview of all the black plastic you have. You might have a spatula near the stove, a slotted spoon in a drawer, or even some thermos bottles lined with plastic at the back of your cabinet.
If you’re finding it hard to tell which utensils are made of plastic, there are a few telltale signs. Black plastic is smooth and hard, and it’s usually very cheap. If you have black silicone, it will feel more rubbery and flexible.
The second step is to check for damage. Peeling, chips, or deep scratches on black plastic are all signs of degradation, which increases the risk of chemicals ending up in your food. Finally, ask yourself: will this come into direct contact with heat when you’re cooking or serving? If the answer is yes, this also increases toxic risks, so it should go straight to the trash.
What should you do with old black plastic utensils?
Black plastics are not recyclable. You can throw them in the regular trash (though this isn’t very sustainable, as they will end up in landfills). Or you can find other uses for them, like stirring paint.
What should you replace them with?
This part is easy. There are several alternative materials (like stainless steel, BPA-free silicone, bamboo, and wood) that last a long time if you take care of them properly.
Photo: Pexels. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
