Are Plastic Takeout Containers Harming Your Heart Health? Here’s What New Research Reveals

When you think about takeout, your biggest concerns might be how greasy the food is or whether you remembered to ask for extra napkins. But new research suggests there may be more to consider than just what’s on the menu—specifically, the packaging itself.

A recent study published in “Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety” suggests that plastics commonly used in takeout containers may transfer unseen substances into your food, and these substances could negatively impact heart health.

How are plastic takeout containers harming your heart health?

Plastic is widely used in food packaging because it’s cheap, strong, and waterproof. However, tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, have been found in everyday foods and drinks — including fish, salt, water, and even tea bags — leading people to unknowingly consume millions of these particles each year. Some chemicals in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, are known to disrupt hormones and increase the risk of health issues, including heart disease. Heating plastics can release even more harmful particles, raising concerns about their long-term effects.

To explore the connection between plastic exposure and heart health, researchers surveyed 3,179 people, gathering data on their frequency of takeout consumption and exposure to plastic containers. They then analyzed this information to determine if there was a potential link between plastic exposure and cardiovascular health.

The results suggest that frequent exposure to disposable plastic takeout containers may increase the risk of congestive heart failure. Researchers found that individuals with high exposure to plastics were 13% more likely to develop heart failure compared to those with lower exposure.

Related: How Microplastics Sneak Into Your Food — and What You Can Do About It

In the animal study, researchers observed significant changes in the rats’ gut bacteria. This disruption in gut microbiota was linked to increased inflammation, stress on heart tissues, and cellular damage. The study concluded that plastic exposure could negatively impact heart health by affecting heart muscles, gut bacteria, and related biological systems—regardless of how long the exposure lasted.

“Exposure to plastic materials like plastic lunch containers may contribute to oxidative stress within the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD),” Aidan Charron, biologist and associate director at EarthDay.org, told Food & Wine. “Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can damage cells and tissues. The research suggests that plastic-related chemicals could exacerbate this stress, negatively impacting the heart and blood vessels over time”.

But before you avoid takeout altogether, it’s important to consider some study limitations: “The evidence and conclusions from the study are speculative and do not support the conclusion that exposure to plastic is a significant CVD risk factor,” said Andrea De Vizcaya-Ruiz, a professor of environmental and occupational health at the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at UC Irvine.

She noted that the study’s data was drawn from a population aged 60-70 years old and consisted of only one ethnicity. “To suggest an association between exposure to plastic derivatives or plastics that could be released into the water and cardiovascular diseases, the study population must consider a broader sample in age and ethnicity.”

More research is needed to fully understand how plastic exposure impacts heart health over time, Vizcaya-Ruiz explained.

How does the study’s findings affect you?

While the convenience of disposable plastic containers is undeniable, this study highlights potential health risks that shouldn’t be ignored. The findings suggest that frequent use of these containers, especially with hot foods, could increase exposure to harmful substances like microplastics and chemical additives — both of which have been linked to gut health disruption, increased inflammation, and potential strain on the heart.

This serves as a reminder that small, everyday choices, such as the type of packaging our food comes in, can have broader implications for our health.

What you can do to limit your exposure

It’s important not to feel overwhelmed or discouraged by these findings. “Ultimately, microplastics are just one factor of many that could impact heart health,” said Amanda Sauceda, a registered dietitian based in California. She emphasized that most Americans don’t consume enough fiber, fruits, or vegetables — all of which play a crucial role in heart health.

“Plastics can’t be completely avoided, so perfection isn’t the goal here. Focus on what you can control that also doesn’t make life unnecessarily difficult,” Sauceda advised. One simple tip? “Move hot foods out of the plastic containers when you get home and don’t microwave leftovers in them.”

Related: Your Tea Bag Is Likely Releasing Billions of Microplastic Particles, According to a New Study

Additionally, prioritizing an overall healthy diet may help counter some potential risks. Since changes to gut microbiota from microplastic exposure have been linked to heart health concerns, Sauceda suggested choosing high-fiber foods when ordering takeout to promote a healthy microbiome and strengthen the gut barrier.

How to avoid the microplastics in your takeout containers

• Do not heat food in takeout containers, even if they say it’s safe

• Take your food out of its plastic takeout container as soon as possible and transfer it to a vessel made out of ceramic or glass

• Find restaurants that do not use plastic containers but cardboard instead

• Avoid use plastic utensils or plastic straws

• Avoid wrapping food in plastic wrap or plastic bags

The bottom line

While more research is needed to confirm the long-term health risks of plastic exposure, this study underscores the importance of being mindful about food packaging — especially when it comes to takeout. Making small adjustments, like transferring hot food to a non-plastic container and prioritizing gut-friendly, fiber-rich foods may help minimize potential risks while maintaining a balanced approach to health.

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