France Info points out that on most plastic food films, there is a warning: “this film is suitable for all foods, except animal fats and oils, products preserved in a fatty environment, nuts, paste or in cream and fatty sauces such as mayonnaises, salad creams and other mixtures, particularly coconut-based. » Indeed, upon contact with fatty foods, the plastic used is likely to release chemical substances from the phthalate family, classified as “toxic substances for reproduction”. But fat is everywhere, whether in cheese, nuts, vegetable milks, sauces, creams, meats or dishes made with oil. It is complicated to avoid any presence of oil when using plastic film.
Choose phthalate-free food films
Some food films have a mention, without phthalates and without bisphenol A (the latter could also be dangerous for the functioning of hormones and metabolism). If you can’t find one — or if you want to be careful — avoid direct contact of the film with food. It should also not be used for cooking in the oven or in boiling water.
Alternatives that allow you to act for you and the planet
When the recipe allows it, try replacing the cling film with fabric, resealable glass boxes, or even reusable beeswax wraps that you can make yourself. With the certain pollution they cause, the microplastics generated by cling film could be a cause of cancer, and could be found in food. Stopping the use of plastic food film is a gesture that will save your health but also the planet. Two birds with one stone.
