Hazard identification and prevention of plastic bottles

1. Identification of plastic product marks Most plastic products produced by regular manufacturers will indicate the letters written in the raw materials or raw materials on the products or on the product packaging.

Whether it is a simple plastic container product or a packaging container for food, it is generally printed with a recycling mark on the container (see figure), and the middle of the triangle is marked with a number from 1 to 7, and the initial abbreviation of the raw material is also indicated. .

The triangle winning "1" indicates that the raw material is polyester (PET);

"2" indicates that the raw material is high density polyethylene (HDPE);

"3" indicates that the raw material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC);

"4" is expressed as low density polyethylene (LDPE);

"5" indicates that the raw material is polypropylene (PP);

"6" indicates that the raw material is polystyrene (PS);

"7" indicates that the raw material is a plastic other than the first to sixth types. Among these plastics, the most widely used polycarbonate (PC) in food.

2. Sensory identification of harmful plastic products

Smelling edible plastic products that are pungent or unpleasant, may have safety issues.

Some kitchen utensils (such as the pot handle) will emit an unpleasant smell when exposed to high temperatures. These substances are also toxic, and excessive inhalation can also endanger human health. There are also some inferior electric plastic kettles that produce an unpleasant odor when heated to boil water. Such plastic pots are not safe for the human body.

3. Correct use of plastic utensils

Various plastic containers and utensils also have potential safety hazards. Pay special attention to the following points --

(1) Avoid using plastic food and kitchen utensils produced by informal manufacturers.

There are many cheap plastic products on the market that often do not clearly indicate the scope of application. Avoid using such containers to store hot foods, especially liquid foods and foods with high oil content. Because heat and oil promote the dissolution of harmful ingredients and contaminate food.

(2) Use special plastic appliances for microwave ovens produced by regular manufacturers.

Plastic containers for microwave ovens should be translucent, non-colored, and resistant to high temperatures. Microwave ovens can be used to heat foods with a large water content. PP plastic containers can be used. For heating oily dishes and foods, PC containers with higher temperature resistance should be used. If non-liquid foods are heated, it is not advisable to use any plastic containers.

Use a microwave to heat food, preferably a glass container or a porcelain without any internal dye.

(3) Avoid using non-heat-resistant containers for hot food.

Some plastic bottle containers will become soft and deformed when exposed to heat. Do not attempt to use such containers to hold overheated food. Although such plastics are safe at room temperature, they may decompose and release harmful components at high temperatures. It is common for some people to put hot water and hot tea into mineral water bottles or beverage bottles, which has certain health hazards.