Good News for Food Storage
I cooked a batch of beans the other day and recalled that a reader questioned my use of plastic freezer bags to store the cooked beans (It's In the Freezer). The concern was BPA.BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical compound found in some plastic products that some experts fear may be hazardous to your health. The FDA thought it was safe until 2010 when more test results came in suggesting reasons to be concerned. They are now concerned about the possibility that it is linked to cancer, heart problems, behavior and more. BPA is usually found in hard plastic baby bottles, water bottles, hard plastic microwavable cookware, some plastic storage bags and containers and in the linings of aluminum cans. It's also in medical devices, compact discs, dental sealants, the lining of canned foods and drinks (yes, my favorite Pepsi!) and many other products.
"One reason people may be concerned about BPA is because human exposure to BPA is widespread. The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2517 urine samples from people six years and older. The CDC NHANES data are considered representative of exposures in the United States." (Source)
If you don't want BPA in your freezer bags, I have good news for you!
"SC Johnson does not use BPA in its plastic products, Ziploc® Brand Bags and Containers." (Ziploc)
So, good news! You can freeze your veggies and legumes using Plastic and still be BPA free using Ziploc® bags (AND you can collect Box Tops for your favorite school while you're at it!)
Of course, you can freeze without plastic. There's an article below (The Nickel Pincher) and I've not tried using glass yet. But it's now on my list. If you have experience freezing without plastic (or with) please help us out with your tips and tricks.
Learn More:
- The Facts About Bisphenol A, WebMD
- BPA Free Cans, Misterbelly
- Freezing Without Plastic, The Nickel Pincher
4 comments:
That is good to know, Katrina. I will spend the extra money for Zip-Loc instead of being a cheapskate. Thank you!
Nancy, I'm a cheapskate, too! In my drawer right now are some store brand bags and some Ziploc bags. I guess I'll have to cut corners elsewhere!
Thanks for the article, Katrina. I have converted over to a stainless steel water bottle and I usually buy the Zip-Loc brand.....but I still need to convert my tupperware stash from plastic to glass.
Darcy,
I'm still replacing plastic containers, too. It takes time. Ball jars and lids are fairly affordable, I've discovered.
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