Latest news with #LindaCheslow
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ziploc Is Being Sued Over Claims Its Bags Release Harmful Microplastics Into Food
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
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
People Are Tossing Their Ziploc Bags After a Disturbing New Class Action Lawsuit
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Ziploc has been a brand we all know and trust for all of our resealable plastic bag needs. But a recent class-action lawsuit against the company might have us rethinking everything we thought we knew about Ziploc bags. Earlier this month, it was announced that Ziploc's parent company, S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., was being sued by Linda Cheslow, a California resident, for misleading packaging on Ziploc products. The products in question, made from polyethylene and polypropylene, have been medically and scientifically proven to have the potential to release microplastics when subjected to extreme temperatures. The problem — beyond the fact that microplastics are potentially dangerous — is that these bags are marketed as microwave- and freezer-safe. That means that we've all been microwaving and freezing in Ziploc bags and containers, unknowingly releasing microplastics into our food. How dangerous are microplastics? Well, according to Dr. Alex LeBeau, a toxicologist and certified industrial hygienist, it depends on a lot of factors. For example, the size of the particles and how the body is exposed to them, be it ingestion, inhalation, or through skin contact, and how much of the substance interacts with the body. But the short answer is yes, although there isn't enough research yet to conclusively say just how dangerous, microplastics are harmful to the body. 'There are some recent studies suggesting that microplastics have been found to contribute to strokes,' says Lebeau. 'However, critiques of other vascular-related studies have indicated a lack of associated health effects from the presence of microplastics.' He explains that in the science community people tend to think that associations are not causal, which means that even though something was found it doesn't mean it caused a specific problem. The bottom line? 'More research is necessary to identify an actual cause of harm,' Lebeau adds. However, a spokesperson for S.C. Johnson told USA Today in a statement: 'We believe Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and the claims in this lawsuit are without merit.' If you're worried about whether or not your Ziploc products have been impacted by the potentially misleading marketing, here's a list of all of the products that have been mentioned in the complaint. Ziploc Freezer Bags (pint, small, quart, & gallon sizes) Ziploc Slider Freezer Bags (quart, & gallon sizes) Ziploc Slider Storage Bags (quart, & gallon sizes) Ziploc Containers The complaint also contains a number of photos of the products in question with the term 'microwave-safe' printed on the packaging. The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can't Stop Talking About Tuscan Chicken Is the "Most Delicious" Dinner of All Time, Says Everyone Who's Tried It Do Water Filters Really Work — And Which Ones Are the Best? Sign up for The Kitchn's Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ziploc Is Facing A New Lawsuit Related To Potential Microplastic Exposure. Should You Toss Yours?
Microplastics have been in the news quite a bit in recent months after several studies pointed to potential links to health risks. In April, a new class action lawsuit claims that Ziploc bags and containers contain undisclosed microplastics that can harm consumers. A spokesperson from SC Johnson says that "Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and that the lawsuit is without merit." Ziploc bags and containers have been such a presence in Americans' lives for decades that most people don't even think twice about using them. But a new class action lawsuit is raising a lot of questions about the safety of this food storage staple. The lawsuit, which was filed on April 25 by California resident Linda Cheslow and shared by About Lawsuits, alleges that Ziploc bags and containers contain undisclosed microplastics that can harm consumers, and that marketing them as "microwave safe" and suitable for "freezer" use is misleading, since they're made from "materials that scientific and medical evidence shows release microplastics when microwaved and frozen." A spokesperson for SC Johnson says that the company believes "Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and that the lawsuit is without merit. Microplastics have unfortunately become pervasive in our environment — in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe, and they come from many sources. For families concerned about these issues, we share the concern and have been working for years to raise awareness, push for global plastic regulation, and invest in smarter solutions." In case you're not familiar with them, microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have become pervasive in the environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They have also been detected in human and animal tissue. Microplastics have, unfortunately, been linked to a slew of potential health issues lately, including heart disease and dementia, making this lawsuit a hot topic. Here's what the lawsuit claims, plus what toxicologists want you to keep in mind. Meet the experts: Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health; Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University The lawsuit is filed against Ziploc maker S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. It's a class-action lawsuit, which means it was filed on behalf of anyone around the country who has bought Ziploc bags and products. The suit alleges that some Ziploc products are marketed as microwave- or freezer-safe but release microplastics when they're microwaved or frozen. This makes them 'fundamentally unfit' for what they're advertised for, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit says that the company's claims are 'unfair, unlawful, deceptive, and misleading' for consumers. SC Johnson, on the other hand, has told Women's Health its products are safe when used as directed. The suit specifically flags these products, but notes that these aren't the only ones that may contain microplastics: Ziploc Freezer Bags Pint/Small Ziploc Freezer Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Freezer Bags Gallon/Large Ziploc Slider Freezer Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Slider Freezer Gallon/Large Bags Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Gallon/Large Ziploc Container S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. did not respond to Women's Health's request for comment by deadline. The company says online that its bags and 'Endurables' line are made without BPA or phthalates, but doesn't elaborate on what they're actually made of. The lawsuit claims that Ziploc bags and containers are made with polyethylene and polypropylene, both of which have been linked to the release of microplastics when they're microwaved or frozen. Microplastics and their potential health risks have been all over the news lately, so it's understandable to have questions about the ways you might come into contact with them, and how that might impact your health. Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, says that it would 'logical to believe that all plastic products come with some level of personal and environmental risk." Scientists are still trying to parse the potential impact of microplastics on health but, as previously mentioned, there is some research linking these particles to dementia and heart disease. Microplastics have also been linked to oxidative stress, or an an imbalance of unstable molecules called free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them. Long-term oxidative stress has been tied to the development of chronic inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. Still, 'we aren't totally sure what the long-term consequences of exposure to microplastics is,' Alan says. 'It is important to remember that it is likely the cumulative exposure to microplastics that will determine the long-term impact,' she adds. Overall, Alan recommends minimizing your use of plastic containers when you can. 'There are other bag alternatives, like wax paper bags,' she says. 'Glass or metal containers would also be an option.' Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health also suggests being aware of your plastic use—and avoiding heat when you use plastic containers. "It is nearly impossible to entirely avoid exposure to microplastics in our daily lives, but reducing our use of single-use plastic products may be beneficial for the environment as well as human health," she says. "Avoid reheating food in plastic containers when possible." You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ziploc Is Facing a Class Action Lawsuit Over Its ‘Microwave Safe' Labeling
A class action lawsuit is accusing Ziploc's parent company, S.C. Johnson, of misleading consumers by labeling its plastic bags as 'microwave safe' and freezer-friendly. The suit claims the bags contain polyethylene and polypropylene, which may shed microplastics when heated or frozen, posing potential health risks to users. Plaintiffs argue that consumers were unknowingly exposed to microplastics due to deceptive labeling, and experts warn this highlights broader concerns about plastic use in everyday food is in hot water over what some consumers call deceptive advertising. On May 8, About Lawsuits reported that Linda Cheslow, a California resident, has filed a class action lawsuit against Ziploc's parent company S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., explicitly stating that some of its Ziploc bags have the potential to release microplastics under "extreme temperatures," including when they are placed in a microwave or the freezer, as they are made with polyethylene and polypropylene, both of which are petroleum-derived products. The complaint noted that Ziploc markets its Ziploc bags and containers as 'Microwave Safe' and suitable for 'Freezer' use, which the suit says creates the "reasonable impression that they are fit for use in the microwave and freezer." It added, "In reality, 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." The complaint noted that consumers relied on these "false misrepresentations" and "unwittingly exposed themselves and their families to undisclosed microplastics during routine kitchen practices." Related: Your Favorite Gum Is Shedding Microplastics, According to a New UCLA Study The specific products mentioned in the complaint include the company's Freezer Bags in pint/small size, quart/medium, and gallon/large, Ziploc Slider Freezer Bags in quart/medium and gallon/large, Ziploc Slider Storage Bags in quart/medium and gallon/large, and Ziploc Containers. The complaint also included multiple images of the products with the wording "microwave safe" clearly printed on the label. As Food & Wine previously explained, microplastics are defined as tiny plastic pieces less than five millimeters in size. They're found nearly everywhere — including in the human heart. One study even estimated that 170 trillion plastic particles are floating in the ocean right now. While research on how these microplastics affect us is ongoing (though some studies do show that microplastics can damage human cells), it will likely be impossible to avoid all microplastics, no matter how hard you try. Related: Your Tea Bag Is Likely Releasing Billions of Microplastic Particles, According to a New Study 'Microplastics are currently hard to avoid entirely, as they are present in our food, water, and air," Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health, shared with F&W. 'We currently do not know the toxic dose of microplastics for the human body, nor do we fully understand how the body absorbs, processes, and eliminates these particles.' Still, there are a few key steps you can take to at least minimize exposure. This includes swapping out plastic cutting boards, which can shed millions of microplastics, for wood, avoiding plastic takeout containers whenever possible (and never, ever placing them in the microwave), and choosing to store your leftovers in glass or metal containers instead of plastic products (which is where this lawsuit really comes into play). One more thing you can try is to eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, which one study shows can help protect your cells against microplastic damage. Food & Wine has contacted S.C. Johnson and will update this story with any statements we receive. Read the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ziploc facing class action lawsuit over alleged undisclosed microplastics
A California woman is suing S.C. Johnson, the maker of Ziploc, because she says some of its products contain undisclosed microplastics that mislead and harm consumers. Linda Cheslow of Santa Rosa, California, filed a class action complaint in U.S. District Court for Northern California on April 25, according to court records. Cheslow's complaint alleges that some Ziploc products marketed as microwave or freezer safe release microplastics when they are microwaved or frozen, making them "fundamentally unfit" for their advertised use. It called S.C. Johnson's alleged misrepresentation "unfair, unlawful, deceptive and misleading." The lawsuit is a class action, meaning it has been filed on behalf of anyone around the country who has purchased the products. USA TODAY has reached out to S.C. Johnson for comment. The lawsuit alleges Ziploc's bags and containers labeled "microwave safe" and "freezer" imply that they are safe to use in those appliances. However, the lawsuit claims the products are made from materials that release microplastics when used in the microwave or freezer, which are "then leached into consumers' food." "The Material Omission is meaningful to consumers as studies show that the ingestion of microplastics poses serious health risks, including potential harm to the digestive tract, immune system and reproductive system," the lawsuit says. Microplastics are small plastic particles that come from broken down plastics, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine. Research shows that microwave heating of plastic containers releases a high amount of microplastics into the food inside, according to a 2023 study in the Environmental Science & Technology journal. The same study found that refrigeration in plastic containers releases high amounts of microplastics over the course of six months. Over time, ingesting a lot of microplastics can cause a variety of health issues, according to the Environmental Working Group. The products included in the lawsuit are Ziploc bags and containers labeled "microwave safe," "freezer" or both. According to the initial complaint, they include but are not limited to: Ziploc Freezer Bags Pint/Small Ziploc Freezer Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Freezer Bags Gallon/Large Ziploc Slider Freezer Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Slider Freezer Gallon/Large Bags Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Quart/Medium Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Gallon/Large Ziploc Container Apple class action lawsuit: Did Siri eavesdrop on your call? Find out if eligible for part of $95M settlement A class action is a type of civil lawsuit brought on behalf of a group of people who have been harmed in the same way by the same entity, according to Harvard Law School. A court has to certify a lawsuit as a class action before it proceeds as one. In a class action lawsuit where a settlement is reached, members of the class who opt into the case receive an equal portion of the money. The plaintiff in the lawsuit against S.C. Johnson is pushing for the class in the case to be defined as all consumers nationwide who have purchased the products within an applicable statute of limitations period. For consumers in California, the complaint requested the statute of limitations to be defined as the last four years. Melina Khan is a trending reporter covering national news for USA TODAY. She can be reached at MKhan@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ziploc hit with lawsuit for alleged undisclosed microplastics
