Is plastic leaking into my food? I found these 4 items in my kitchen that may be microplastic culprits

Next to ours food and water, can be found in some of the microplastics kitchen items we use most of it for cooking and store our food. Although further research is needed to confirm the impact on our health, Studies have linked microplastics to a weakened immune system and certain types of cancer.

Although I have been aware of microplastics and their potential health impacts for some time, I have avoided inspecting my own kitchen for microplastics for fear of what I might find. However, recently I was confronted with the music and discovered that the following microplastic culprits were hiding in my own kitchen cupboards and drawers. This is what I want to replace them with.

1. Plastic food storage containers

When I went through my storage closet I found several plastic containers. Some I use exclusively for storing dry goods, while others are reserved for leftovers in the refrigerator and reheating in the microwave. The latter claim to be refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave safe, but they all show signs of use and definitely need to be replaced.

A September 2024 study found that of the 14,000 known food contact chemicals in food packaging, 3,601 – or about 25% – were found in humans. Specifically, in humans, 235 FCCs have been found in food contact materials, including plastic compounds.

There are also particular concerns about the use of microwaves and plastic containers. A June 2023 study concluded that heating a plastic container in the microwave resulted in the highest emissions of microplastics and nanoplastics in food, compared to refrigeration, room temperature storage and other uses. However, refrigeration and storage at room temperature can still release billions of micro- and nanoplastics in their contents over the course of six months. Nanoplastics are even smaller than microplastics and are less than 1 micron in size, making them potentially more harmful to the human body.

This is especially concerning with plastic takeout containers that are not labeled as heat resistant, and even if they are, they are claimed to be heat resistant. Maybe it’s just marketing jargon. This was reported this year Rubbermaid is being sued for claiming that the plastic containers are microwave and freezer safe, while reportedly still releasing microplastics into food. A Rubbermaid representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A August 2024 review determined that even during freezing and thawing, microplastics can be released from the inner surface of food containers. Another problem is that when plastic is frozen, pieces of the container can break off and contaminate your food.

While BPA-free containers, which do not contain the industrial chemical bisphenol A, may be better because you avoid this possible health effects (although again, more research is needed), glass containers are the best choice.

The trade for plastic food storage containers

I plan to replace my current plastic containers with glass ones. I have already exchanged a few with the new ones Tupperware Voila collection — safe for the oven, microwave, freezer, dishwasher and under the grill (with the lid off) — which the brand kindly sent me to try. However, I also want to stock up on smaller containers.

2. A black plastic spatula

Just like plastic containers, your plastic utensils can also release microplastic particles into your food, as reported by a Systematic review from June 2024.

I use wooden cutting boards, metal cutlery, a silicone spatula solely for mixing room temperature ingredients, and wood and metal cookware, so I thought I had no problem with plastic utensils – until I saw one thing: a black plastic spatula. I know I should have gotten rid of it by now, but it’s the perfect width for flipping pancakes and fried eggs. Writing this article is the wake-up call I need.

The exchange for a plastic spatula

I plan to replace my black plastic spatula with a metal or wooden spatula. I already have several wooden spatulas, but none are wide enough, so I might opt ​​for a stainless steel fish spatula, like the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner ($18) or the Victorinox 40415 Turner slot wood ($54).

3. My non-stick air fryer

I have the Philips 3000 series air fryer and when I researched its composition, I was surprised to find that the parts of the Philips air fryer are mostly coated with non-stick PTFE, a type of plastic.

Philips states that this is a common coating that complies with existing legislation on food contact materials. However, a June 2024 study found that PTFE-coated cookware, like my air fryer, can still release microplastics and nanoplastics if the coating is scratched by hard, sharp utensils or used at higher temperatures.

The exchange for an air fryer with a plastic coating

CNET’s pick for the best air fryer in general is the Crispy Ninjamade of glass and free of PFAS and PTFE, thanks to the sharper plate that uses a nanoceramic coating, not plastic. I’ll add this to my holiday wish list.

4. Tea bags

I found dozens of tea bags in the designated teapot and the kitchen cupboard where I keep extra boxes, but I was shocked to learn that they didn’t just contain my favorite teas.

A February 2025 evaluation found that tea bags are the largest contributor of microplastic particles in hot tea when the bag and string are soaked, as more than 1 billion microplastics and nanoplastics can be released into the liquid. It also doesn’t matter whether the tea bags contain plastic used to seal the bags or are biodegradable, the latter can still be made with plastic.

When I examined all my tea bags, I discovered that most claim to be compostable, meaning they are made from plant-based materials and contain no plastic. However, I do have some tea bags that are missing this label, which means they may contain microplastics.

If you’re wondering what the difference is between compostable and biodegradable, a non-profit environmental company says Oceanwatch Australia compostable products are made with organic elements that can break down over time in the right environment, such as in a compost binwhile biodegradable products can be made from plant-based materials or from petroleum-based plastics (which can leave behind microplastics).

The exchange for tea bags that may contain microplastics

Instead of relying on non-compostable tea bags for a hot drink, I can opt for loose leaf tea instead. I’ve already done that stainless steel tea infusers that I can use for soaking. To ensure that nothing gets into the water I use to make my tea, I can use a glass kettlelike CNET’s favorite OXO kettle with adjustable temperature ($120).

My final thoughts

While there is no need to panic and rush to replace every plastic item in your kitchen as more studies are needed to confirm the health effects, there is no harm in slowly replacing plastic kitchen items with silicone, wood, metal or glass products, especially if you heat, refrigerate, wash or freeze them. After all, a glass object a day can keep microplastics away.