Health Risks of Plastic Containers
Coutinho highlighted that the use of plastic containers, especially for hot foods, poses significant health risks. He explained, “Swiggy, Zomato, Restaurants …Please work with your partners to ensure food deliveries happen in biodegradable non-plastic containers … many restaurants do this already, please make it uniform …deliver food and health….hot food in plastic is making people sicker… You’ll have the power to help make a change.”He elaborated on how the food we order from outside may not always be the healthiest, as high heat and flame are often used to cook food quickly, which destroys most ingredients and leads to the use of more refined oils.
Impact on Health
Coutinho warned about the dangers of packing hot food in plastic containers, noting that the heat and steam from the food can cause the plastic to break down into harmful substances like BPA and other toxins. “This heat starts to break down the plastic into dangerous BPA and other toxins that wreak havoc with the human body and hormones, fertility, estrogens etc. We need to move to biodegradable, non-plastic ASAP for better health and a better earth,” he wrote.
Appeal to Authorities and Platforms
Tagging Swiggy, Zomato, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Coutinho urged them to take action. “@swiggyindia @zomato @fssai_safefood you’ll have the power to make this change and be part of a healthier India,” he added.Zomato’s Response
After some time, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal responded to Coutinho’s request, acknowledging the concern and promising to take steps towards safer food packaging. “Thanks Luke for bringing this up. We will do what we can – will highlight restaurants which use food-safe packaging, so customers can make a more conscious choice,” Goyal said.
Coutinho expressed his gratitude for the response, stating, “Thank you @deepigoyal @zomato for acknowledging this and moving to action ….at the end of the day it’s about coming together with a vision to build a healthier country… thank you and me and my team are happy to help anytime. I wonder when @swiggyindia will decide to wake up and at least acknowledge participation.”
Health Implications of Microplastics
According to Medical News Today, exposure to heat causes plastic to break into smaller fragments called microplastics, which can migrate into food, leading to several health issues:
- Disrupting Hormones: Exposure to BPA, a component of plastic, has been linked to infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Increasing Risk of Chronic Disease: Long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting microplastics can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Impairing Immunity: Microplastics can lead to increased inflammation, poor gut health, and weakened immunity.
The call for safer food packaging practices is crucial for ensuring public health and promoting a healthier environment.
