Food Container Microplastics & Contaminated Kitchenware

At a time when personal health and clean, sustainable living are a priority for many Americans, reusable food containers and multi-use kitchenware have become consumer staples in kitchens nationwide. Marketed as health-conscious and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags and carry-out Styrofoam, food prep storage containers are meant to reduce waste and protect the environment.

However, a troubling truth has emerged: many of these reusable food containers (mostly plastic) may be leaching microplastics into food and beverages, posing potential long-term health risks. The defective product and toxic exposure lawyers at The Lyon Firm are launching a comprehensive investigation into this issue, seeking to uncover the truth for consumers and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.

If you own and use meal prep kitchenware and reusable food containers, water bottles, or other plastic kitchen items and are worried about microplastic exposure, contact our attorneys to learn more about potential legal action. Some companies may have falsely labeled their plastic kitchen products as safe for reheating and freezing but could be leaking millions of plastic particles into the food.

The Dangers of Microplastics in Plastic Food Containers

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, typically created from the breakdown of larger plastic items like reusable food containers, silicone bakeware, plastic cutting boards, and water bottles. Recent studies show that heat, freezing, normal wear from use, and contact with acidic or oily foods can cause plastic kitchenware products to shed microplastics into our food and drink.

Once ingested, these particles can accumulate in the blood, liver, brain and other tissues, with research linking them to inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and potential carcinogenic effects. The long-term impact on human health remains unknown, but the growing evidence of possible harm is alarming.

Plastic food containers are often made from materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Over time, these plastics degrade, releasing microscopic fragments that are invisible to the naked eye. When containers are microwaved, washed repeatedly, or exposed to sunlight, the rate of microplastic release increases significantly. These particles can then be ingested along with the food, entering the human digestive system.

Once inside the body, microplastics can accumulate in tissues and organs. Scientists are concerned about the long-term health effects, which may include:

• Hormonal disruption due to plastic additives like BPA and phthalates.

• Chronic inflammation from particle buildup.

• Potential cancer risk from carcinogenic chemicals.

• Immune system stress caused by foreign particle exposure.

The issue is not only about individual health but also about widespread environmental contamination. When food containers are discarded, they break down into microplastics that persist in soil and water for decades, ultimately re-entering the food chain through seafood, produce, and drinking water.

Consumers can reduce risk by using glass or stainless-steel containers, avoiding microwaving plastic, and discarding damaged containers. However, systemic change requires stronger regulations on plastic manufacturing and corporate accountability for product safety.

For individuals experiencing health issues linked to microplastic exposure, legal options may exist to seek compensation and push for safer food packaging standards. As public awareness grows, lawsuits may become a driving force in holding manufacturers responsible for the hidden dangers of microplastics in food containers.

Why Microplastics Lawsuits Are Increasing

• Growing public awareness of environmental pollution.

• New scientific studies linking microplastics to health risks.

• Greater regulatory scrutiny on plastic producers.

• Successful precedents in other toxic tort cases.

What Plastic Kitchenware and Food Containers Are Suspect?

Plastic cutting boards, water bottles, Ziploc bags, spatulas, non-stick frying pans and food storage containers may all contribute to shedding microplastics into your food and drink. There are alternatives to most of these items, however it is frustrating for consumers who purchased these products largely because manufacturers marketed them as environmentally friendly, “BPA-Free,” and safe for food storage, reheating and freezing purposes.

Many of these reusable kitchen products are made from materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, or silicone, which are promoted as safe and durable. These materials do degrade over time, however. And unfortunately, even though some marketing materials explicitly state that they are safe for cooking, reheating and freezing, new evidence suggests that may not be the case. Even washing them in dishwashers can accelerate the release of microplastics. A 2023 study by the University of California found that widely used reusable containers shed up to 10 million microplastic particles per square centimeter when heated.

Filing a Microplastics Lawsuit: What to Expect

A microplastics lawsuit typically involves these steps:

1. Consultation with an environmental or toxic tort attorney to evaluate your case.

2. Gathering evidence such as water testing reports, product analyses, and health records.

3. Filing a legal complaint against responsible companies.

4. Discovery and expert testimony to establish the link between exposure and harm.

5. Negotiation or trial to secure compensation or injunctive relief.

Many cases involve class actions or mass torts, allowing multiple victims to join forces against major corporations.

Recent Food Container Microplastics Lawsuits

Plaintiffs have filed class action lawsuits, targeting companies who market their plastic kitchenware as safe even though they may pose potential health risks. The complaints allege that manufacturers misled consumers through deceptive labeling.

A California plaintiff sued Ziploc (S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.) in April 2025, claiming Ziploc bags and containers, labeled as “microwave safe” and “freezer safe,” release microplastics when exposed to extreme heat and cold. These products are made from polyethylene and polypropylene, which allegedly shed microplastics into food, posing health risks such as harm to the digestive tract, immune system, and reproductive system.

The complaint ultimately accuses S.C. Johnson of misleading marketing, failing to disclose these risks, and engaging in “greenwashing” by implying the products are safe and eco-friendly. S.C. Johnson has disputed all claims, saying, “Ziploc products are safe when used as directed, and the claims in this lawsuit are without merit.”

Rubbermaid (Newell Brands) was sued in May 2025, alleging that Rubbermaid plastic containers, marketed as “microwave safe” and “freezer safe,” release microplastics into food when subjected to high heat or cold temperatures.

The complaint claims Newell Brands misrepresented the safety of these products, failing to disclose that polyethylene and polypropylene materials degrade under temperature stress, leaching food container microplastics. Research shows that some plastic containers can release millions of microplastics and billions of nanoplastics per square centimeter when microwaved or frozen, with higher releases during heating.

FAQs about Microplastic Litigation

• Can I sue if I only have environmental exposure without symptoms?
  In some cases, plaintiffs can seek injunctive relief for cleanup even if they do not yet show symptoms, especially in community-wide contamination cases.
• Are there class action lawsuits for microplastics?
  Yes, class actions allow groups of victims to combine their claims against large corporations, strengthening the case and reducing costs.
• How long do I have to file a microplastics lawsuit?
  Statutes of limitations vary by state, but many range from one to three years from the date of discovery of harm.
• What makes microplastics cases difficult to win?
  Challenges include proving a direct link between exposure and specific health conditions, as well as overcoming corporate defenses.

Food container and plastic kitchenware manufacturers have a duty to produce safe products and inform consumers of potential hazards. If evidence shows that companies knowingly sold items that leach microplastics, they can be liable for damages. Our attorneys are exploring such claims, and we represent plaintiffs in all fifty states. Call now for a free case review and consultation.