Are there any risks of leaching chemicals onto food from plastic wrap or containers?

Not when the food is going into the fridge. “The structure of plastic starts to break down with heating,” explains food scientist Dr.  Karin Allen.  “If you heat a plastic product, it may leach chemicals into the food.  If the heated plastic melts or warps, throw the food away.”

In January, 2010, the FDA released a report indicating some concern about BPA (Bisphenol-A, a chemical found in many products made of hard plastic) from plastics having an adverse effect on health.  ABC World News reported that plastics containing BPA are usually marked with the number 7 on the bottom.

For more information on plastics used for food and beverages, click here: http://shelflifeadvice.com/faq/are-we-eating-chemicals-plastics-along-our-food  You’ll find many links concerning plastics on this page. 

Source(s):

Brewer, M.S. and Chapman-Novakofski, K. 2006.  Meat Safety for the Consumer, University of Illinois Extension.

ABC World News “FDA Backtracks on Potential Danger of BPA”
http://www.cancerschmancer.org/articles/environment/fda-backtracks-potential-danger-bpa

http://www.oprah.com/health/Protect-Children-from-the-PBA-in-Plastics-RealAge