Take care when heating plastic kitchen utensils

Plastic kitchen utensils can release dangerous substances
Kitchen utensils made of plastic are widely used nowadays. From pommels and children's dishes made of melamine to silicone baking molds, a wide range of plastic kitchen accessories is offered. But when heated, these may release harmful substances, warns the consumer center Bavaria. Not every plastic can handle hot temperatures equally well. "Such kitchen utensils are safe only if they are used properly," emphasize the consumer advocates.

The kitchen accessories made of plastic are quite popular not least because of their practical handling. However, there may be a risk of release of pollutants when heated. "If a spatula remains in the hot pan, unwanted substances can pass into the food," warns Jutta Saumweber of the Consumer Center Bavaria. The same applies if melamine dishes in the microwave are heated to over 70 degrees Celsius. However, the risk is difficult to assess for consumers, as the labeling of products often remains inadequate.

If plastic kitchen utensils are heated, they may release harmful substances. (Image: PhotoSG / fotolia.com)

Education about the risks
In cooperation with the German Foundation for Consumer Protection, the Bavarian consumer center informed in a new video from the series "Consumer Protection in 100 Seconds" about the risks associated with the use of plastic kitchen utensils. The clip also explains how to avoid the risks. In addition, the consumer advocates in the video explain the main symbols on kitchen items such as "not suitable for the microwave" or "not suitable for the dishwasher". Also the temperature details are explained.

Need for improvement in labeling
All in all, however, Jutta Saumweber of the Bavarian consumer center sees considerable need for improvement in labeling. For example, a market survey conducted by consumer centers in the summer of 2015 showed that "information about safe use is often missing or insufficient." Important information was often found only on the packaging or on a sticker. However, these consumers often no longer have their minds in mind when using the items. "The consumer centers are therefore demanding from the manufacturers in word and picture understandable, clearly legible and permanently attached to the kitchen utensils safety instructions," said the message from the Consumer Center Bavaria. (Fp)