A warning from France has reignited the debate over the safety of cling film and other food-contact plastics. Microbiologist Christophe Mercier-Thellier has raised concerns about chemicals that may be present in some plastic films, particularly certain plasticizers and PVC.
What’s Really in Cling Film?
Some cling films are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic that may require additives called plasticizers to make it flexible. Certain plasticizers, including some phthalates, have been associated with endocrine-disrupting effects.
However, the safety of a particular cling film depends on its composition and whether it complies with food-contact regulations. Not all cling films contain phthalates, and regulated products are subject to limits on the migration of substances into food.
Why Fatty Foods Require Extra Care
Chemical migration can be greater when plastic comes into contact with fatty foods. Foods such as butter, cheese and cured meats can interact more readily with some substances that migrate from plastic.
For this reason, consumers should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding which foods can safely be wrapped and whether the film is suitable for heating.
