Why Glass Utensils Are Safer Than Plastic Ones. Here’s Why

When it comes to food storage, it is important to choose your containers wisely. Most people use glass or plastic containers, both of which are effective, but one may be more beneficial and may have a lower health risk than the other. Here's what an expert has to say about the same.

Glass Utensil Vs. Plastic Utensils: How Do The Two Compare In Maintaining Food Storage Safety?

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Preeti Nagar, Dietitian at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS) College and Hospital, provides a comparative analysis between glass and plastic utensils, discussing their food storage safety, environmental impact, benefits, health risks, and the effect on the taste and quality of food.

Some of the key points include:

• Glass utensils are non-porous and do not absorb odours or flavours from food, making them easier to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria than plastic ones.
• Plastic utensils, especially those made of low-quality or non-food-grade plastics, may leach harmful chemicals into food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic foods.

Environmental Impacts

According to the UN Environment Programme, plastic pollution is a global problem, with 19–23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaking into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers, and seas every year.

Therefore, as compared to glass utensils or containers, plastic utensils, especially single-use disposable ones, have a significant negative impact on the environment due to their non-biodegradable nature, leading to pollution of oceans and landfills, says Dr Nagar.

On the contrary, glass utensils are more environmentally friendly as they are reusable, recyclable, and do not contribute to plastic waste pollution, she adds.

Why Glass Utensils Are Good For Food Storage

Dr Nagar says, “Glass utensils are considered safer for food storage as they do not contain harmful chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) or phthalates found in some plastics, which have been linked to potential health risks.

Therefore, when it comes to deciding which type of utensils to use, especially for food storage, here are some points to consider:

• Glass utensils are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to stains, odours, and scratches, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for food storage.
• Glass utensils are versatile, as they can be used for both cold and hot foods without the risk of chemical leaching.
• Glass utensils do not react with food or alter its taste, aroma, or texture, preserving the flavour and quality of stored food.
• Plastic utensils, especially when exposed to heat or acidic foods, may release chemicals that can affect the taste and quality of food over time.

Bottomline

Dr Nagar concludes that glass utensils offer advantages in terms of food storage safety, environmental sustainability, durability, and maintaining the taste and quality of food. By choosing glass utensils over plastic ones, you can reduce environmental impact, minimise health risks associated with chemical leaching, and enjoy the benefits of a safer and more eco-friendly food storage option.