An action in a video that went viral caught the attention of netizens. In the pictures, a woman is preparing the popcorn recipe with two chocolate bars. However, what sparked the debate was the fact that she didn’t take the chocolate out of the plastic packaging to melt it. But can this ultimately be harmful?
The answer is Yes. On the one hand, plastic packaging or packaging manufactured on an industrial scale acts as a protector for the food and protects it from environmental influences caused by direct light, heat and contamination through direct contact.
However, it is not recommended to use it directly in hot water, as shown for example in the video, due to the risk of releasing substances present in the plastic due to the action of a heat source. When released, they stick to food and can be ingested, which is unfavorable in the long term, as current studies show.
Therefore, it is always preferable to follow the recommendations on the packaging before using it in a way other than that indicated there.
Be careful with plastic
Caution is advised when it comes to plastic. Some researchers point out that toxic substances such as: BPA (Bisphenol A), phthalates and dioxinscontained in these materials can be carcinogenic, as highlighted by the National Cancer Institute (Inca).
In a study conducted by scientists at the University of NebraskaLincoln in the US, plastic pots were found to release 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics when exposed to a heat source. Since they are tiny, they cannot be seen, but can still be eaten with the food in the pot.
Additionally, the team warns parents that babies who drink products containing microwaved water (inside the plastic material) and toddlers who consume microwaved dairy products absorb the highest relative concentrations of plastic.