Safety in the kitchen is essential, from the materials in our cookware to the food in our pantry. Due to significant concerns, recycled black plastic has been in the news.
What’s the issue? Research suggests black plastic kitchen utensils often contain toxic chemicals, such as flame retardants and microplastics from recycled e-waste, which can leach into food, especially when exposed to heat, for instance, spatulas, spoons, forks, microwaveable takeout containers, etc. These substances are dangerous. They are linked to health risks like hormonal disruptions and cancer, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. Experts recommend replacing black plastic utensils with durable options like stainless steel, silicone, or wood, which are safer, longer-lasting, and often more environmentally friendly instead. Since black plastic is difficult to recycle, the best disposal method is simply tossing it in the trash.
What should you do? The New York Times reports consumers should “use this news as an excuse for an upgrade.” We recommend you take a closer look at the tools in your kitchen and what you use to prepare and store food. If you are uncertain about specific things, proceed cautiously and consider replacements.
Which tools are safe to use? Non-plastic utensils, such as wood or stainless steel, are the safest. Some tools may look like black plastic but are made of food-safe black silicone. Because the concern is for recycled black plastic, we continue to sell Oxo utensils. Oxo products are made of black plastic but do not contain any recycled black plastic (see statement below).
Scroll down to see our selection of alternative tools.
STATEMENT FROM TOQUE BLANCHE : We have been assured by all of our vendors that although they may seek to integrate recycled plastic into their products, they do NOT permit the use of any recycled black plastic in any of their food contact materials.
STATEMENT FROM OXO: We can assure you that while OXO does seek to integrate recycled plastic into our products, we do NOT permit the use of any recycled black plastic in any of our food contact materials.