Is Tupperware Cancer Causing?

Tupperware. You have heard of this plastic ware. Tupperware products are the ones that have airtight seals. The seals are virtually leak proof as well, but some are concerned that Tupperware is cancer causing. Plastics can leach into food, they say. Plastics can cause any number of disease, one of which is believed to be cancer.

Tupperware and Cancer

Perhaps the greatest concern with plastics is Bisphenol A (BPA). This substance was invented in the 1930s when scientists were looking for a way to make synthetic estrogens. BPA is the building block for plastics that are manufactured from polycarbonate. From such plastics, BPA leaches into food or beverages, and is believed to cause medical concerns. Those who link Tupperware and cancer are fearful that Tupperware products may contain BPA.

Tupperware Products Are Usually Not Made from Polycarbonate.

The majority of Tupperware products that are intended for food and beverage are made from polyethylene and polypropylene.

* Polyethylene: Most seals, including large ones, are made of linear low density polyethylene. Tupperware products such as the ice cube tray, Freeze-N-Save containers, Jel-Ring mold, and Ice Tups set all are made of high density polyethylene.

* Polypropylene: Special seals, such as those used in microwaveable Tupperware products, are made of polypropylene. Polypropylene is the type of plastic used in the manufacture of Tupperware products you would buy for food Storage and food service also. This means you can freely use Tupperware products such as canister sets, cereal bowls, and tumblers, as well as children’s plates and cups.

Some Tupperware Products Do Contain BPA

Despite the fact that Tupperware products are said to meet or surpass Federal government safety standards for food contact applications; and despite the company claims that they routinely test Tupperware products and manufacturing materials to ensure stringent quality and safety standards; some Tupperware products do contain BPA.

Polycarbonate, manufactured from bisphenol A (BPA), is used by Tupperware in the manufacture of their Rock ‘N Serve microwave line, the base of the Meals-in-Minutes Microsteamer, and the “Elegant” Serving Line.

Tupperware no longer offers other items that had been made from BPA: the TupperCare baby bottle, the Pizza Keep’ N Heat container, and the Table Collection.

Is Tupperware Cancer Causing?

The bottom line is that, if you are fearful that Tupperware is cancer causing, you will probably want to do your homework before throwing away all Tupperware products. Based on current scientific study, some seem to be safe.