Foods You Should Never Store In Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are a common sight in most modern kitchens because they're lightweight and affordable. However, certain foods can react poorly with plastic, leading to staining, lingering odors, or even the leaching of unwanted chemicals.
Choosing the right storage material is essential for keeping your meals healthy and your containers in good condition. Here are five foods to keep out of plastic.
Raw meat
Storing raw meat in plastic containers can lead to bacteria growth, according to toxicologist Brad Lampe. Lampe says, "The moisture buildup accelerates bacterial growth exponentially. Cross-contamination, foodborne illness, and rapid spoilage can occur within hours rather than days."
Instead, it's best to store raw meat in glass containers or on a tray on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This will prevent cross-contamination caused by dripping.
Certain fruits
Fruits such as apples, bananas, and tomatoes release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Storing these fruits in an airtight plastic container will accelerate spoilage even more quickly.
Lampe suggests storing these fruits in breathable baskets and placing them away from other types of fruit to prevent over-ripening.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are often quick to spoil, especially when stored in plastic. Lampe says, "Leafy vegetables need proper air circulation to maintain their cellular structure."
Plastic containers will trap moisture and cause greens to decompose faster. It's best to store your leafy greens in perforated containers where air can flow more easily.
Fresh dairy
Fresh dairy items require careful storage in order to stay fresh and last longer. According to Lampe, dairy products need consistent airflow to stay fresh. Plastic containers can trap moisture, allowing bacteria to grow.
It's best to store dairy in its original packaging or another breathable container. Soft cheeses should be wrapped in parchment paper before going in the fridge.
The bottom line
Plastic containers are affordable and convenient, but they're not always the best option. To prevent your food from spoiling too quickly and becoming unsafe, it's important to understand the fundamentals of proper food storage.
With a little careful consideration, your groceries will stay fresh and delicious for longer.