Ziploc Is Being Sued Over Claims Its Bags Release Harmful Microplastics Into Food

Yahoo

21-05-2025

Earlier this year, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on Red No. 3 in food and drinks, a move many felt was a step in the right direction regarding industry standards. Not long after, however, the FDA announced it would be temporarily halting its milk testing program, a change that drew criticism from food safety experts. Now, as grocery prices continue to rise, consumers are paying more attention than ever to their shopping carts.
Recently, a class action lawsuit was filed against Wheat Thins, accusing the brand of misrepresenting its ingredients. Now, a popular storage bag brand is under fire after allegedly failing to disclose the risks of its products.
On April 25, 2025, a lawsuit was filed against Ziploc, an S.C. Johnson-owned brand. The lawsuit, filed by Linda Cheslow, alleges that certain Ziploc bags are labeled as 'microwave safe' and suitable for 'freezer' use, giving shoppers the impression they were safe to use in those ways. Cheslow, however, believes the brand is misleading customers and putting them at risk for microplastic consumption. An issue, the plaintiff says, is made worse by Ziploc's claim that its products are reusable.
'These products are made from polyethylene and polypropylene—materials that scientific and medical evidence shows release microplastics when microwaved and frozen—making them fundamentally unfit for microwave and freezer use,' reads page four of the lawsuit document.
Polyethylene and polypropylene are two common food-grade plastic materials used in the production of kitchen goods, including cutting boards, storage containers, and cling wrap, to name a few. When exposed to extreme temperatures, such as heat or cold, they have been found to release microplastics, which can leach into food. Microplastics, while invisible to the naked eye, have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including increased cancer risk, immune dysfunction, and inflammation.
Cheslow believes that the company is putting families at risk by failing to disclose this information, and it's doing so 'for profit and to gain an unfair competitive edge in the marketplace.'
S.C. Johnson has denied these claims, and litigation is ongoing.
This is a class action lawsuit, meaning that it was filed on behalf of all who have purchased the product. At this time, there is no action consumers need to take. In the future, you may be able to file a claim and receive a monetary reward if a settlement fund is established.
The products in question include, but are not limited to:
Ziploc Freezer Bags Pint
Ziploc Freezer Bags Quart
Freezer Bags Gallon
Ziploc Slider Freezer Bags Quart
Ziploc Slider Freezer Gallon
Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Quart
Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Gallon
Ziploc Containers
Additionally, consumers may find photos of the products beginning on page nine of the lawsuit documents. Be sure to take note of which products are included when you compile your receipts and stay up to date as the case proceeds.
Read the original article on ALLRECIPES