Plastics and Food Safety
Chemistry innovations protect the food supply every step of the way – from pest-free crops to disinfected countertops. While the role of chemistry in pesticides and bleach is obvious, think about plastics. A trip to the supermarket or a walk to the kitchen shows plastics are integral to food preservation, protection and convenience.
- Revolutionized food packaging allows food manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers to vacuum seal fresh fruits, vegetables and meats into packages that help protect food from bacteria and dramatically increases shelf-life.
- Transparent plastic overlap protects food and lets consumers see a package’s contents.
- Food stuffs packaged in special plastic trays can easily go from freezer to oven.
- Tough, impact- and corrosion-resistant plastics like ABS, polystyrene and polypropylene are used to create refrigerator door liners and molded interior panels. These features maximize space, resist moisture buildup, and repel spills and stains.
- Engineered to help keep bacteria out, inexpensive, plastic food containers conveniently store leftovers – and can come in handy for those countless odds and ends around the house.
- Transparent plastic wrap covers leftovers, keeps out pests at picnics and reduces microwave messes.
- Plastic cutting boards that are made to withstand high-temperature dishwashers make cleaning them easy.
- Lightweight, insulated and stain-resistant lunchboxes keep foods fresh and easily fit in backpacks and tote bags.
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