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The black plastic spatula in the drawer in your kitchen? Maybe it’s time to throw it out. There has been a lot of talk lately concerning the risks associated with using black plastic cooking tools, such as spoons and spatulas. The main argument is that using black plastic to stir food in pots and pans over heat might cause toxins to be released into your meal, which you will then consume. The use of unregulated recycled plastics in these cooking utensils may be the primary issue, according to one study. As a result, you might be purchasing things that contain flame retardants, which can turn dangerous when heated.
To find out if these allegations are true and to assist you in deciding whether to throw away your black plastic cutlery, we spoke with specialists in the fields of environmentalism and food science. Continue reading to learn more about the specific risks associated with black plastic, what substitute materials might be safer, and some suggestions for safer cooking utensils.
Ignore AHEIs it truly harmful to use black plastic cooking utensils?|What may be used in its place?|Safe cooking utensils
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Is it really bad to cook with black plastic utensils?
Experts we spoke with suggest that while many have been quick to condemn cooking with black plastic, the issue isn’t that simple and that it depends on the kind of plastic used. According to Dr. Li Li, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology, exposure, and health sciences, plastic cooking utensils, such as those made of polypropylene, or PP, are generally regarded as safe due to their durability and ability to withstand high heat. However, some plastic utensils may be created from recycled plastics, and some of these plastics may originate from electronics or other devices that were not designed with food consumption in mind.
Recycled plastic has the potential to cause issues. This is because they can include dangerous ingredients that aren’t meant to be consumed with meals. According to Li, flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one example of that. Non-food-contacting polymers are treated with these compounds to keep them from burning at high temperatures. However, they cannot be eliminated during the recycling process, so if the recycled material is used to make cooking utensils, they will show up.
Numerous health issues have been connected to these PBDEs. According to Dr. Susan Harlander, vice president of technology at Ra Foods and a food science and nutrition doctorate holder, these chemicals can leak into food when heated, possibly altering hormones and posing long-term health risks like endocrine disruption or an elevated risk of cancer. According to Harlander, black plastic might have negative effects on the environment in addition to health. According to her, it is frequently not recyclable since recycling plants find it difficult to sort using infrared technology, which increases landfill trash. Furthermore, black plastic can emit persistent organic pollutants during production and disposal, endangering wildlife and ecosystems.
How to use black plastic utensils safely
There are ways to lessen the risk if you don’t want to part with your black plastic cutlery, which are among the least expensive. Avoiding anything made of recycled plastic would be the simplest solution. Regretfully, the majority of utensils lack labels indicating the sort of plastic they are made of. In light of this, even if your risk factors are composed of recycled materials, they can still be reduced. According to Li, you want to reduce the possibility that dangerous substances will leak out of them. Three primary factors increase the likelihood of leaching: high temperatures, which cause molecules to move more actively and increase the likelihood that chemicals will migrate out of plastic; prolonged cooking, which increases the amount of time that chemicals have to leach; and oily environments, because many toxic substances are lipophilic, which means they dissolve more readily in fats or oils.
What to cook with instead of black plastic
Not willing to take the chance? Harlander asserts that there are several substitutes for cooking utensils made of black plastic. These resources are suggested by both of our experts for anyone attempting to stay away from black plastic:
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Wood or bamboo:
They are natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and suitable for non-stick cookware, says Harlander. One thing to remember: Wood is more porous, so it requires careful cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. -
Food-grade stainless steel:
Harlander says this material is durable, heat-resistant and recyclable. Just know that stainless steel utensils cannot be used on non-stick pans, as they can scratch the surface and remove the protective coating. -
Silicone:
Food-grade silicone is heat-resistant and safe for non-stick surfaces, making this material a good option for those who like to cook on high heat or use non-stick pans.
Safe cooking utensils
Here are some cooking utensils produced from the alternative materials our experts suggested if you wish to stop using black plastic. The choices listed below are all highly regarded; hundreds of reviews have given them an average rating of at least four stars.
Our Place Cooking Utensils
Our Place Cooking Utensils
Some of our favorite kitchen gadgets, such as the Dream Pot and Wonder Oven, are manufactured by Our Place. A ladle, spatula, whisk, slotted turner, tongs, and basting brush are all included in this set of equipment, which is composed of food-grade silicone. The handles are dishwasher safe and ergonomic.
Caraway Utensil Set
Caraway Utensil Set
Before my husband and I purchased our home in 2020, I was a loyal user of black plastic cutlery, but he insisted that we convert to wood. He claimed it was superior because he had grown up in a household that only utilized wood-burning stoves. Despite my first skepticism, the sleek appearance and practicality of this Caraway set convinced me. The five-piece set comes with a spoon, a spatula, tongs, and other items made of birch wood. Because they won’t scrape off the coating, they are ideal for fans of non-stick cookware. These utensils should only be hand-washed; they cannot be put in the dishwasher.
Great Jones
Great Jones
This five-piece set is composed of silicone and is, dare we say it, rather fashionable and adorable. According to the firm, the design was inspired by lollipops, and the tools are robust enough for daily use.
Berglander Cooking Utensil Set
Berglander Cooking Utensil Set
This eight-piece set includes a holder for the seven utensils. The premium stainless steel used to make everything works well on stainless steel pots and pans, but it shouldn’t be used on non-stick cookware. The set has an average rating of 4.6 stars from more than 4,050 reviews on Amazon, and the tools are dishwasher safe.
Zulay Kitchen 6-Piece Wooden Spoons
Zulay Kitchen 6-Piece Wooden Spoons
This set, which is made of teak, includes a serving spoon, skimmer, spatula, turner, and salad spoon and fork. According to the brand, the utensils need only be hand washed with a little soap and water because they are close-grained and won’t absorb the liquids you are cooking. Based on more than 4,300 reviews, this package has an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon.
Umite Silicone Cooking Utensil Set
Umite Silicone Cooking Utensil Set
This eight-piece set has everything you could possibly need, including a whisk, ladle, angled spatula, and serving spoon. Food-grade silicone used to make the utensils’ tops is capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 446 F. The wood used to make the handles is Acacia. To remove the silicone odor, soak them in water and let them air dry for three hours before using them for the first time. Based on 3,989 reviews, the set has an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and experience. Additionally, we guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Li Li
is an assistant professor at the University of Nevada Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences.
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Dr. Susan Harlander
has a doctorate in food science and nutrition and is the vice president of technology at Ra Foods.
Why trust NBC Select?
Journalist Bethany Heitman contributes to NBC Select and frequently writes about lifestyle, home, and beauty. She spoke with authorities about the risks of using black plastic for cooking for this report.
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