You're freezing leftovers wrong! NEVER use plastic containers

"Freezer-safe glass and steel containers provide a durable and long-lasting alternative to plastic for freezing leftovers. When frozen, plastic can become brittle. This can cause tiny fragments to break off and release as microplastics. Heating products in plastic containers also increases the release of microplastics which can leach directly into the food itself."

"Before you ditch all your plastic tupperware, the consumer champion reassures that these containers are fine for everyday storage and chilling. If you're preparing food for the freezer or the microwave it's useful to have alternatives on hand."

"Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments that measure less than 5mm across. Whether it's a plastic bag, a tupperware, or a bottle, they tend to come from larger products, which shed them as they break down into smaller pieces. If you use plastic containers to freeze or reheat food, this could be problematic."

"Repeatedly heating or freezing plastics (such as storage containers) can exacerbate this breakdown. That makes food preparation and storage a particular source of exposure to microplastics. Studies have already uncovered strong evidence that microplastics cause harm to the environment."

Many people freeze leftovers in plastic containers, but freezer-safe glass or steel containers are recommended instead. Plastic can become brittle when frozen, which may cause tiny fragments to break off and release as microplastics. Heating food in plastic containers can increase microplastic release, which can leach into food. Plastic containers are still considered suitable for everyday storage and chilling, but alternatives are advised for freezer or microwave use. Microplastics are tiny fragments under 5mm that come from larger plastic products as they break down. Repeated heating and freezing can worsen this breakdown, increasing exposure. Microplastics have been linked to environmental harm, including disruption of carbon storage in small organisms and plants, affecting the blue carbon cycle and climate change mitigation.

Read at Mail Online