ITV doctor Dr Amir Khan has raised concerns about a common lunchtime habit many of us are guilty of
A doctor has issued a stark warning about a common lunchtime habit, urging people to “stop doing this at lunch”. For many of us, the midday meal is often rushed. Whether you’re at work, studying, or caring for children, finding sufficient time to prepare food can be a real challenge.
Reheating leftovers or ready meals has therefore become a go-to option for countless people. However, this seemingly harmless routine could carry serious health implications.
Speaking on his podcast No Appointment Necessary, Dr Amir Khan elaborated on the issue. The medic, widely recognised from his appearances on ITV, cautioned people against both heating and storing food in plastic containers.
While the risks aren’t “definite”, he stressed they remain “possible”. His co-host Cherry Healey asked: “What about microwaving your food in a plastic container?”
Dr Amir responded: “So, to all of that, I would say is now that I know what I know about the dementia study, the carotid artery study, is something that I do not do anymore. Not because it’s definite, but because it might be possible.
“When you store food in plastic containers, even just storing it in a plastic container, increases the risk of that food absorbing some of the microplastics within that container. If you then put it in the microwave, the heat really ramps up that risk.
“The plastic becomes a little bit more unstable. And it gives off these microplastics into your food, you eat the food.” The caption beneath the video read: “Heating up your lunch today? This is one of those things you wish you hadn’t heard… Heating food in plastic doesn’t just warm it – it can release microplastics into it.
“Not definite but it might be possible. So, would you risk it?”
Research on this topic varies considerably. One study, published in the Journal of American Nutrition in 2023, indicated that two additives found in plastics have concerned toxicologists “for many years”. These are bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in water bottles, and phthalates, regularly used in food packaging.
The study’s authors observed: “Both BPA and phthalates are believed by many authorities to be endocrine disruptors, sometimes called hormone disruptors, because they interfere with the biological effects of testosterone and oestrogen when introduced into the body.
“The hormone that BPA and phthalates are most suspected of imitating is estrogen, affecting the male hormone testosterone production. In one pediatric investigation, this substance was linked to childhood obesity.” Both of these chemicals, along with other additives in plastic, have been linked to a variety of fertility issues, immune system problems, cancers, and disabilities. They stated: “Therefore, either BPA or phthalate or both could be a human health concern.” However, the risk posed by consuming food and drinks that have come into contact with these chemicals remains unclear to scientists. The authors of the study stated: “There is considerable disagreement here among scientists and regulatory agencies.
“Because most plastics are quite stable, it is likely that contact with food or drink results in only tiny amounts of BPA or phthalates eaten.” However, they pointed out: “Because plastic use in humans has a relatively short history, whether BPA or phthalate released from food containers is safe requires further investigation into possible long-term effects.”
In 2024, the European Commission introduced a ban on BPA in “food contact materials”, which means it’s gradually being phased out from the production of everyday items such as water bottles. Britain is currently considering a similar ban, covering BPA and other harmful bisphenols, with a consultation on the issue concluding in December 2025.
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