Why You Should Be Concerned About Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils

Plus a deep dive into Vitamin C

You may have seen recent headlines about the health concerns of black plastic utensils used in the kitchen for cooking. We take a deep dive into this topic, and offer up our takes, including healthier alternatives and other plastic kitchen items to be wary of. Plus, Dr. Weil covers vitamin C: why it’s important, best food sources and more!

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What type of cooking utensils do you use? Are you concerned about black plastic utensils? Share yours in the comments!

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Are Black Plastic Utensils a Danger To Your Health?

Dr. Weil's Take:

The concern around black kitchen utensils is something I recently became aware of, although I stopped using plastic utensils while cooking long ago. While I recommend that everyone get rid of their plastic cookware, black plastic utensils seem particularly problematic, and there are valid reasons to question their safety - especially when it comes to high-heat cooking.

Most black utensils are made from plastic or nylon, materials that can begin to degrade when exposed to temperatures above 400°F (200°C). As they break down, they can release chemical byproducts - some of which may leach into food, particularly if the utensil is scratched, worn, or frequently exposed to heat in dishwashers.

One concern is the release of primary aromatic amines (PAAs), compounds linked to cancer risk in some animal studies. Another is microplastics -