New study says stop wrapping fruits and vegetables in plastic

Time of India

21 hours ago

Still using cling film or plastic wraps to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh? You might want to stop. Turns out, that 'preservation trick' is not only outdated it's actually making things worse.
A new study reveals that plastic packaging doesn't extend freshness, and can even lead to faster spoilage, more waste, and long-term health risks. Whether you store produce in the fridge or on the counter, how you pack it plays a bigger role than you think. Here's what the science says, and what you should be doing instead.
What the study found: Plastic means more waste, not less
A major study by the UK-based
Waste and Resources Action Programme
(WRAP) looked at how we store five common fruits and veggies: apples, bananas, broccoli, cucumbers, and potatoes.
Over 18 months, they tested how different packaging methods and temperatures affected shelf life and food waste.
Key findings from WRAP's official report :
Plastic-wrapped produce did not stay fresher longer than loose produce
Consumers were more likely to overbuy and throw out food sold in plastic
"Best before" labels often confused people, leading to premature disposal
Selling fruits and vegetables loose could save 100,000 tonnes of food and 10,300 tonnes of plastic per year in the UK alone
WRAP's researchers concluded that ditching unnecessary plastic could actually slow spoilage, especially when paired with proper refrigeration and smarter labeling.
The microplastic problem in plastic
Still not convinced? Here's the kicker: microplastics are now being found inside fruits and vegetables. Research shows these particles enter through soil, water, and even packaging. A 2020 study published in Environmental Research revealed that plastic particles can be absorbed through plant roots and end up inside edible tissue. Another study titled
A Critical Review on Microplastics in Edible Fruits and Vegetables
warned that long-term exposure to plasticizers like phthalates and DEHA, often used in cling wrap, could disrupt hormones and impact reproductive health.
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Undo
So not only is the plastic wrap useless, it might also be sneaking harmful chemicals into your food.
What you should do instead of using plastic
Store produce loose or in breathable containers
Skip the cling film. Use mesh bags, paper bags, or reusable cotton wraps. For the fridge, try breathable containers with air vents or loose lids to avoid trapping moisture.
Use glass or silicone alternatives
For chopped fruits or half-cut veggies, store them in glass boxes with airtight lids or beeswax wraps. These don't leach chemicals and keep food fresh longer
.
Don't over-wash before storing
Moisture speeds up spoilage. Only rinse right before use, unless you're drying everything thoroughly first.
Control ethylene
Some fruits (like apples, bananas, and tomatoes) release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Keep them away from sensitive items like leafy greens or cucumbers.
Quick comparison: Plastic vs smart storage
Method
Pros
Cons
Plastic wrap
Easy to use, widely available
Traps moisture, creates waste, doesn't extend freshness
Glass containers
Airtight, reusable, non-toxic
Heavier, more expensive upfront
Cotton/mesh bags
Breathable, eco-friendly
Can dry out produce if not monitored properly
Beeswax wraps
Natural, reusable, mouldable to shape
Not suitable for wet or hot foods
The WRAP study confirms what eco-conscious experts have warned for years: plastic wrap doesn't keep produce fresh and it might be making your food worse. From food waste to hidden toxins, there's no real win here. So next time you bring home your fruits and veggies, ditch the plastic. Store smart, eat fresh, and help reduce waste, one reusable bag at a time.
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