Plastic seal bottled beverage bottles, is it safe? & bull; hello healthy

When you want to buy beverage products, one of the things you need to pay attention to is the seal. Is the seal still in place or is it open. A seal is an indicator of a bottled beverage product whether it is safe for consumption or not.

Why is the seal a fundamental and important consideration in buying beverage products?

The function of the seal is as a safety product for bottled mineral water

Each beverage product has a packaging seal in the form of a ring or safety ring on the neck of the bottle. The ring closes tightly against the lid, so it doesn't open easily. So, you need "a little effort" when opening the lid of a mineral water bottle or other bottled beverage product.

The function of the ring seal on the cover of this packaged drink bottle is a sign that the drink has not been opened and is being drunk by other people. In addition, the seal that is still tight also prevents bottled water from being exposed to bacteria, viruses, or other harmful substances.

Bottled drinks that are not equipped with a good seal can increase the likelihood of bacteria entering. A 2005 study examined the development of bacteria in water bottles after the bottles were opened.

The results showed that bacteria with less than 1 bacterial colony per millimeter increased to 38,000 bacterial colonies per millimeter in 48 hours after being left idle at 37 ℃. Room temperature and the length of time that the bottles are left standing (after opening) affect the development of bacterial colonies.

However, looking at the research, it is possible that drinks that are not properly sealed or have been opened before can increase bacterial contamination.

Clear plastic seals on bottled drink bottles should no longer be used

You must have unsealed clear plastic before opening the lid of a bottled beverage bottle. Many people may think that a clear plastic protective seal is a safe indicator. Clear plastic seals are generally made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

In normal temperatures, PVC material can very much contaminate food or beverage products. Especially if given high temperature treatment. The hazardous material contained in PVC is named Diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA). DEHA in PVC can "sneak" into the food, especially in oily foods when heated.

DEHA is poisonous when it enters the human body. In fact, it might even have an impact on liver and kidney health.

Not only DEHA, PVC as a plastic seal for beverage packaging also contains phthalate which is poisonous to the body. These chemicals are easily released from the main plastic material, so that they are easily released into the environment.

When the material is released into the environment, it will move to the hands and enter the body. For example, when we come into contact with PVC or breathe air that is exposed to PVC. Even, phthalate also can contaminate food easily.

Based on National Library of Medicine, phthalate can have an impact on endocrine health (body gland tissue) and increase the risk of cancer. Other health impacts that can arise are disorders of the reproductive system and child development.

Because it is very easy to release these chemicals, clear PVC plastic is not recommended to be a food or beverage seal that should be safe and protective.

PVC plastic seals can be dangerous for the environment

PVC has a content that can be bad for health, especially if it is used as a plastic seal for bottled drink bottles. In addition, PVC plastic is also not friendly to the environment because it is not a natural material that decomposes or degrades naturally (biodegradable).

The PVC manufacturing industry usually tries to make recycled plastic products (in the form of PVC). In the manufacturing process, PVC uses a lot of additives (additives), making it very difficult to recycle.

The large number of chemicals in plastics makes PVC plastic difficult to decompose. So it takes 1000 years for plastic to decompose or decompose completely. Surely this is not a short time. Furthermore, when decomposed, plastic particles will pollute the soil and water.

In the production process up to the disposal stage, plastic waste "contributes" greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. This is an issue raised by the world in fighting global warming. Plastic is like being an enemy for the sustainability of the environment and our own bodies.

Now, we already know what are the dangers of clear plastic seals. Therefore, as a consumer, it is better not to choose food or beverage bottles with PVC plastic seals.

Observe the seal before buying the product

BPOM also directs to check CLICK (Packaging, Label, Permit, Expiration) in choosing or buying a product before use. Meanwhile, for packaged beverage products, you need to make sure that the product is still properly sealed and has not been damaged or opened. That way, you can benefit from purchased mineral water, drinks, or food.

Meanwhile, packaging beverage industry companies should also consider not using PVC plastic as a product seal, and using materials that are easily biodegradable and safe for health.

Quoting from the Japanese government page, scientists in Japan have developed plastic made from organic corn plants. The plastic also has high resistance to fungi and bacteria.

This corn-based plastic can also decompose in the soil, and does not emit greenhouse gases or toxic gases when burned. The promotion of environmentally friendly product innovations will have a good impact in the future.

However, for now, ring seals are better used than PVC plastic seals in terms of our health and the environment. Always pay attention to the details of the seal of packaged beverage or food products before buying.