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How safe is that black plastic spatula in the kitchen drawer? It may be time to get rid of it. Lately there has been a lot of talk about the dangers of cooking with black plastic utensils, such as spoons, spatulas and others. The main argument is that using black plastic to stir food in hot pots and pans can release chemicals that are then ingested. One study even suggests that the main problem is the use of unregulated recycled plastics in those cookware, so you may be using items that contain flame retardants that can become toxic when exposed to heat.
We’ve spoken to food and environmental science experts to determine if these claims are true and help you decide whether you should get rid of your black plastic utensils. Read on to find out exactly what the supposed dangers of black plastic are, what alternative materials may be safer, and get some kitchenware recommendations.
Is it really dangerous to cook with black plastic utensils?
Although many have been quick to condemn the use of black plastic utensils in the kitchen, experts we spoke to said the answer is not so clear and it all depends on the type of plastic used. “In general, plastic kitchen utensils, such as those made from polypropylene or PP, are considered safe because they are durable and withstand high temperatures,” explained Li Li, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, who specializes in environmental chemistry. , Industrial Ecology and Health Sciences and Exhibition. “However, some plastic utensils may be made from recycled plastics and some of them may come from products that are not originally intended for use in food.”
It is the recycled plastic that can cause problems. This is because they may contain harmful additives that are not intended for use with foods. “An example of this is flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs),” Li said. “These chemicals are added to plastics that are not in contact with food to prevent them from catching fire at high temperatures. But they cannot be destroyed during the recycling process, so they will appear if that recycled material is turned into kitchen utensils” .
These PBDEs have been linked to various health problems. “When heated, these chemicals can leach into foods, potentially disrupting hormones and posing long-term health risks, such as endocrine disruption or an increased risk of cancer,” said Susan Harlander, Ph.D. Nutrition and vice president of technology at Ra Foods. Not only are there health concerns, but black plastic can pose environmental problems, Harlander added. “It is often not recycled due to difficulties in detecting it with infrared systems at recycling facilities, which results in a higher volume of waste in landfills,” he said. “In addition, during its manufacture and disposal, black plastic can release organic pollutants that harm ecosystems and wildlife.”
How you can use black plastic utensils safely
If you don’t want to give up your black plastic utensils – after all, they’re some of the most affordable – there are things you can do to mitigate the risk. The easiest thing to do would be to avoid using anything made from recycled plastic. Unfortunately, most utensils are not labeled with the type of plastic used. With this in mind, it is possible to reduce risk factors even if yours are made from recycled materials. “The chances of harmful chemicals leaking should be minimized,” Li said.
“Leaching (treatment of a substance, such as a mineral, with a solvent to separate its soluble from insoluble parts) is most likely to occur under three conditions: high temperatures, because heat causes molecules to move more actively, increasing the possibilities of chemicals migrating out of the plastic; prolonged cooking, where greater exposure gives more time for chemicals to leach; and in the presence of oily environments, since many harmful substances “They are lipophilic, meaning they can be dissolved more easily in fats or oils.”
What utensils to cook with instead of black plastic ones
Don’t want to take the risk? “There are numerous alternatives to black plastic cookware,” said Harlander. Below is a list of materials that our two experts recommend for those trying to avoid black plastic:
- Wood or bamboo: “They are natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and suitable for non-stick cookware,” Harlander explained. One thing to keep in mind: Wood is more porous, so it requires careful cleaning to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.
- Stainless steel for use in food-related products: Harlander stated that this material is durable, heat resistant and recyclable. Just know that stainless steel utensils cannot be used in non-stick pans, as they can scratch the surface and remove the protective layer.
- Silicone: Silicone for food-related products is heat resistant and safe for non-stick surfaces, making this material a good choice for those who like to cook on high heat or use non-stick pans.
Safe kitchen utensils
If you want to do without black plastic, here are some kitchen utensils made from the other materials that are recommended by our experts. All of the options below are highly rated, with at least an average score of 4 stars across hundreds of reviews.
Our Place makes some of our favorite cookware, like the Dream Pot and the Wonder Oven. This utensil set is made of food grade silicone and includes a ladle, spatula, whisk, skimmer, tongs and basting brush. The handles are ergonomic and dishwasher safe.
I was a faithful user of black plastic utensils until my husband and I bought our house in 2020 and he demanded that we switch to wooden ones. He had grown up in a home that used only wooden kitchen utensils and insisted that it was better. Although I was skeptical at first, this Caraway set convinced me with its elegant appearance and its effectiveness. The five-piece set includes tongs, a spatula, a spoon and more, all made from birch wood. They are ideal for devotees of non-stick pans, as they do not scratch the coating. These utensils cannot be put in the dishwasher and should only be washed by hand.
This five-piece set from Great Jones is made from silicone and, dare we say, incredibly cute and stylish. The brand says that the lollipops inspired the design and that the tools are durable for everyday use.
This eight-piece set from Berglander comes with seven utensils and a utensil holder. Everything is made of high quality stainless steel, which works well in stainless steel pots and pans, but should not be used in non-stick pans or cookware pots. The utensils are dishwasher safe and the set has an average rating of 4.6 stars across more than 4,050 reviews on Amazon.
Made from teak wood, this Zulay Kitchen set includes salad spoon and fork, spatula, turner, skimmer, and serving spoon. The utensils are closed grain so that they do not absorb the liquids you are cooking and should only be hand washed with a little soap and water, according to the brand. This set has an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 4,300 reviews on Amazon.
Everything you could need is included in this 8-piece set from Umite, including a serving spoon, ladle, angled spatula, whisk, and more. The top of the utensils is made of food grade silicone that can withstand temperatures up to 446°F.
The handles are made of acacia wood. The first time you use them, you should soak them in water and let them air dry for three hours to eliminate the silicone smell. The game has an average rating of 4.5 stars from 3,989 reviews on Amazon.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also make sure that all expert advice and recommendations are done independently and without conflicts of interest undisclosed financials.
Dr. Li Li is an Associate Professor at the University of Nevada Reno specializing in Environmental Chemistry, Industrial Ecology, and Exposure and Health Sciences.
Dr. Susan Harlander has a PhD in Food Sciences and Nutrition and is Vice President of Technology at Ra Foods.
Bethany Heitman is an NBC Select contributor and journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle topics. For this report, he interviewed experts about the dangers of cooking with black plastic.
