Can You Microwave Ziploc Luggage? A New Lawsuit Alleges You Can’t

July 8, 2025

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Image of three Ziploc bags filled with frozen vegetables set on a black marble counter. — Ziploc luggage signify the last word handy for freezer storage, however might utilizing them trigger you to ingest microplastics?Credit score: Freepik

In the event you’ve been utilizing Ziploc luggage to microwave or freeze meals, chances are high you’ve been exposing your self to harmful microplastics — or at the very least, that’s what a proposed class-action lawsuit is alleging. The swimsuit, filed by California’s Linda Cheslow on April 25, claims that Ziploc misrepresented the protection of its plastic luggage. So are you able to microwave Ziploc luggage?

Though Ziploc luggage are marketed as “microwave-safe” and “appropriate for freezer use,” the lawsuit argues that they launch harmful microparticles when subjected to excessive temperatures. When ingested, these plastic particles have been proven to have an effect on the physique’s endocrine system, intervene with the intestine microbiome, and even trigger DNA injury, which may result in sicknesses like heart problems and most cancers. So what’s the reality, and what do we have to learn about utilizing Ziploc luggage shifting ahead?

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What Are Ziploc Luggage Made Of?

Ziploc luggage are made with polyethylene and polypropylene, each of that are frequent food-grade plastics. A 2008 examine in Water Analysis had already indicated that top temperatures might velocity up the speed at which substances leach from polyethylene bottles into the water they comprise¹, and a 2022 examine in Science of the Complete Setting confirmed that polyethylene can degrade and leach microplastics when uncovered to emphasize and warmth². In that case, are Ziploc luggage microwave-safe? It’s finest to err on the facet of warning and say no.

Microplastics are small fragments of plastic measuring underneath 5 millimeters in size. Analysis continues to disclose their pervasiveness on the earth round us, as research have discovered microplastics in crops, animals, air, and water — to not point out in our our bodies. We’ve coated the presence of microplastics in every little thing right here at Natural Authority, from our tea luggage to nanoplastics in our personal brains. For sure, we don’t want one more supply of microplastics in our lives.

Is Polyethylene Poisonous?

Image of several open Ziploc bags overflowing with frozen vegetables and fruit onto a white counter. — *This new lawsuit needs to carry Ziploc accountable for the data that their product was knowingly harming shoppers.* – Credit score: Freepik

A examine revealed in 2023 in Science of the Complete Setting confirmed that publicity to the microplastics ensuing from polyethylene decreased cell viability and will contribute to elevated danger of colon most cancers³. A 2022 examine in Environmental Analysis additionally indicated that these microplastics might alter intestine make-up and immune response⁴.

And is polypropylene poisonous? Though the Environmental Safety Company (EPA) considers polypropylene “one of many safer plastics,”⁵ a 2019 examine in Environmental Science & Know-how linked some polypropylene merchandise to the disruption of androgen hormones⁶. A 2023 examine in Particle and Fibre Toxicology confirmed that publicity to polypropylene might result in lung irritation⁷, and it was additionally discovered to trigger a stress response in cells.

The Ziploc Lawsuit

The Ziploc class-action lawsuit alleges that producer S.C. Johnson didn’t warn shoppers of the hazards of those merchandise, and that cheap shoppers wouldn’t have paid as a lot for this model had they identified that the merchandise might leach dangerous microplastics into their meals. They usually definitely wouldn’t have reused the luggage, which launch extra microplastics as they degrade⁸.

“The Materials Omission is significant to shoppers as research present that the ingestion of microplastics poses critical well being dangers, together with potential hurt to the digestive tract, immune system and reproductive system,” the lawsuit reads.

In response, a spokesperson for S.C. Johnson instructed USA Immediately, “we consider Ziploc merchandise are protected when used as directed and the claims on this lawsuit are with out advantage.⁹“

How Can Customers Keep away from Microplastics?

Image of a pair of hands sealing an orange reusable silicone freezer-safe bag. — *The excellent news is, there are a variety of options to Ziploc luggage which can be non-toxic and genuinely reusable.* – Credit score: Unsplash Toa Heftiba

To not state the apparent, however it is best to begin by doing all your finest to not put Ziploc luggage within the microwave or the freezer. Whereas it’s not possible to keep away from microplastics utterly, swapping frequent sources of plastic for options is an effective way to scale back your publicity to microplastics.

For a complete checklist of steps, begin with our information on methods to keep away from microplastics within the kitchen. And as you search options for Ziploc luggage, attempt as a substitute utilizing glass jars or different plastic-free meals storage (we love these from Caraway, they will go within the microwave, oven, and freezer), and transport gadgets in reusable silicone luggage like Stasher or Bee’s Wrap.