When you’ve been utilizing Ziploc baggage to microwave or freeze meals, likelihood is you’ve been exposing your self to harmful microplastics — or not less than, that’s what a proposed class-action lawsuit is alleging. The swimsuit, filed by California’s Linda Cheslow on April 25, claims that Ziploc misrepresented the security of its plastic baggage. So are you able to microwave Ziploc baggage?

Though Ziploc baggage are marketed as “microwave-safe” and “appropriate for freezer use,” the lawsuit argues that they launch harmful microparticles when subjected to excessive temperatures. When ingested, these plastic particles have been proven to have an effect on the physique’s endocrine system, intrude with the intestine microbiome, and even trigger DNA injury, which may result in diseases like heart problems and most cancers. So what’s the reality, and what do we have to find out about utilizing Ziploc baggage shifting ahead? 

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What Are Ziploc Luggage Made Of?

Ziploc baggage are made with polyethylene and polypropylene, each of that are frequent food-grade plastics. A 2008 research in Water Analysis had already indicated that prime temperatures might pace up the speed at which substances leach from polyethylene bottles into the water they comprise¹, and a 2022 research in Science of the Whole Setting confirmed that polyethylene can degrade and leach microplastics when uncovered to emphasize and warmth². In that case, are Ziploc baggage microwave-safe? It’s greatest to err on the facet of warning and say no. 

Microplastics are small fragments of plastic measuring beneath 5 millimeters in size. Analysis continues to disclose their pervasiveness on the planet round us, as research have discovered microplastics in crops, animals, air, and water — to not point out in our our bodies. We’ve lined the presence of microplastics in the whole lot right here at Natural Authority, from our tea baggage to nanoplastics in our personal brains. For sure, we don’t want yet one more supply of microplastics in our lives. 

Is Polyethylene Poisonous?

A research revealed in 2023 in Science of the Whole Setting confirmed that publicity to the microplastics ensuing from polyethylene decreased cell viability and will contribute to elevated threat of colon most cancers³. A 2022 research in Environmental Analysis additionally indicated that these microplastics might alter intestine make-up and immune response⁴. 

And is polypropylene poisonous? Though the Environmental Safety Company (EPA) considers polypropylene “one of many safer plastics,”⁵ a 2019 research in Environmental Science & Know-how linked some polypropylene merchandise to the disruption of androgen hormones⁶. A 2023 research in Particle and Fibre Toxicology confirmed that publicity to polypropylene might result in lung irritation⁷, and it was additionally discovered to trigger a stress response in cells.

The Ziploc Lawsuit

The Ziploc class-action lawsuit alleges that producer S.C. Johnson did not warn customers of the risks of those merchandise, and that affordable customers wouldn’t have paid as a lot for this model had they identified that the merchandise might leach dangerous microplastics into their meals. And so they definitely wouldn’t have reused the luggage, which launch extra microplastics as they degrade⁸.

“The Materials Omission is significant to customers as research present that the ingestion of microplastics poses critical well being dangers, together with potential hurt to the digestive tract, immune system and reproductive system,” the lawsuit reads.

In response, a spokesperson for S.C. Johnson instructed USA Right this moment, “we consider Ziploc merchandise are protected when used as directed and the claims on this lawsuit are with out advantage.⁹“

How Can Shoppers Keep away from Microplastics?

To not state the plain, however you need to begin by doing all your greatest to not put Ziploc baggage within the microwave or the freezer. Whereas it’s inconceivable to keep away from microplastics fully, swapping frequent sources of plastic for options is a good way to scale back your publicity to microplastics. 

For a complete checklist of steps, begin with our information on find out how to keep away from microplastics within the kitchen. And as you search options for Ziploc baggage, strive as an alternative utilizing glass jars or different plastic-free meals storage (we love these from Caraway, they will go within the microwave, oven, and freezer), and transport gadgets in reusable silicone baggage like Stasher or Bee’s Wrap.

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135407005246 
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721067619
3. https://www.news-medical.internet/information/20230117/Research-Publicity-to-high-doses-of-micro-sized-polyethylene-has-adverse-effects-on-cells.aspx
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122005576
5. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/POLYPROPYLENE
6. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.9b02293 
7. https://particleandfibretoxicology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12989-022-00512-8
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X2100504X
9. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/cash/2025/05/12/ziploc-class-action-lawsuit-microplastics/83577508007/

Tags: class-action lawsuit microplastics polyethylene polypropylene ziploc baggage