The invisible health harms of plastic-packaged ready meals

Many of us rely on ready meals to feed ourselves and our families as they’re a convenient way of eating our favourite dishes.

Chowing down on these meals regularly can have an adverse effect on your health, but not in the way you might think. Though there’s conflicting evidence on exactly how much is released, a body of research is warning of the plastics that leach into the food from these containers, particularly when they’re heated in the microwave. Fatty food and acidic food tend to absorb more chemicals from plastic containers, too.  

Ready meal packaging is made up of several plastics. Extra substances found in the packaging, such as colourants and solvents, also make their way into food – and into us. 

The potential consequences for our health are wide-ranging. Food packaging typically contains phthalates and bisphenol A (also known as BPA), which change the plastic by making it soft, bendy or strong. Both affect the body’s hormones. Research from Covenant University in Nigeria shows that BPA exposure causes disruption to hormone signals and increases the threat of significant changes to a person’s reproductive health. These include sperm alterations, fewer eggs, and infertility.  

Further reports suggest that BPA: 

• Drives fat accumulation in your adipose tissue and liver

• Disrupts cytokine levels, which throws off your body’s cell signalling

• Affects glucose metabolism

A wealth of research explains that BPA clings onto your body’s receptors, disturbing its normal processes. Immune function is especially susceptible. BPA contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, allergies, asthma and breast cancer by altering immune function, according to this study from The University of Georgia.  

In 2024, the European Commission banned BPA in ‘food contact materials’, meaning it can’t be used in the manufacturing of everyday products. The UK is taking steps towards something similar.   

In the meantime, try these helpful tips to decrease your plastic food container use at home.