Are black plastic food storage containers really bad for you?

If you are concerned black plastic containers and the potential health risks they pose, you’re not alone. TikTok user Wendy’s (@wendymarie876) posted a viral clip showing cost-effective food storage alternatives to these tupperwares.

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Her video on the subject was viewed more than 135,000 times and sparked a litany of varying responses. But are black plastics really that bad for you? And if you want to be on the safe side, what’s a better choice?

Wendy starts her video showing one of these black plastic food containers on camera. “So I just found out that this black plastic is made from recycled electronics,” she says. “And it’s one of the most toxic foods – one of the most toxic things you can put your food in.”

Her video then cuts to an image of glass bowls. Wendy then extols the benefits of using these food storage containers over the aforementioned plastic containers.

“So I have a few that I’ve been using for eleven years. But they are very expensive,” says Wendy about the glass dishes. “And I have looked at replacing the Tupperwares I have with glass. Plus it would cost a few hundred dollars.”

What are some alternatives?

Wendy eventually discovered a compromise. In the third part of her video, her camera lens is focused on a jar with some food in it.

“So I decided to use what I already had: canning jars,” she says.

In the video, she showed off the canning jars and highlighted them as a cost-effective solution. “And this is what it looks like when I put my leftovers in canning jars.”

Wendy then shows some of the food in the jars: “That’s sourdough bread we toasted this morning. Those are leftover potato cakes. Pickles. Salsa – you can put anything in your jars.”

She looks around the inside of her refrigerator, revealing two shelves filled with food stuffed into various glass jars. According to her, they are a very cost-effective solution.

“And if you use them, they cost a dollar or fifty cents each,” she concludes. “So we switch to pots.”

Are black plastic Tupperware containers really bad for you?

There have been reports from various media outlets about the possible damage caused by black plastic.

For example, CNN Health writes that many of these products are “linked to banned toxic flame retardants.” The article cited a report by Megan Liu of the environmental organization Toxic-Free Future. Additionally, it says children’s toys, black take-out containers, kitchen utensils and grocery meat and fruit bowls contain these chemicals.

The flame retardant chemicals are polybrominated diphenyl ethers, also known as PBDE. Another April 2024 report from the media mentioned the dangers associated with PDBEs. CNN wrote that individuals with higher levels of PDBE in their bloodstream were 300% more likely to die from cancer.

Beyond plasticsan advocacy group on a mission to ban the use of plastic also published warnings against PBDEs. According to one of the online sources, black plastic tupperwares and other products are bad news.

“Black plastics likely contain unregulated levels of toxic chemicals. Including heavy metals and flame retardants that can leach into food and pose a risk to human health,” the site claims. “In addition, black plastics are not recyclable due to their color.”

@wendymarie876 Replacing toxic black plastic Tupperware food storage containers with glass: #Ecofriendly #SustainableLiving #Non-Toxic Kitchen #Glassstore #HealthyHome #Plasticfree #GreenLiving #ZeroWaste #Ecoowl #toxinfree #ReducePlastic #SustainableKitchen #HealthyChoices #Ecoconscious #CleanLiving ♬ Truth, suspense, shocking ending, seriousness, (1414087) – SAKUMAMATATA

Further research into why black plastics are not a problem

Moreover, in a 2018 University of Plymouth In one study, researchers wrote that an analysis of numerous black plastic products showed dangerous levels of PBDE. Free University in Amsterdam also published similar findings in its own 2024 research paper.

In addition to an increased risk of cancer, black plastics also pose several other potential health risks. Beyond plastics writes that “these toxic chemicals can cause serious reproductive and developmental problems.”

In addition, they can poison the brain and kidneys and disrupt human thyroid function. People exposed to PBDEs may have stunted growth development or may suffer long-term neurological damage.

Some TikTokers weren’t convinced

One person who commented on Wendy’s video stated that she was deliberately spreading misinformation. ‘Basically you just blindly believed the latest propaganda that was spreading. Unless you burn and absorb that plastic, it’s not a problem,” they wrote.

Another replied: ‘Said who? Who said girl? Lol, there’s no mention of what you’re saying anywhere on the interwebs. Please prove me wrong.”

But there were also others who seemed to employ similar food storage strategies to the TikToker’s.

“I started repurposing old pickle jars and old spaghetti sauce jars,” said one user.

Someone else recommended a more cost-friendly glass tupperware for her to consider. “Go to the large glass container from IKEA. I also use canning jars. It’s great!” they suggested.

Although one person did say there was a downside to buying glass food storage. “Last summer I bought some new glass containers for lunch because they are a healthier choice,” they said. “But honestly, I can’t handle it because after a few containers my lunch bag becomes super heavy.”

The Daily Dot reached out to Wendy via TikTok comments for more information.

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