Is it safe to use a black plastic spatula for cooking?
No. Black kitchen plastics are often made from recycled electronics and can contain brominated flame retardants.
What's actually in it
Black kitchen plastic (spatulas, ladles, serving spoons, takeout containers) is frequently made from recycled electronic waste. That feedstock brings in brominated flame retardants like decaBDE, along with other chemicals used in electronics housings. These migrate into hot food, especially fatty foods.
Brominated flame retardants are linked to thyroid disruption and lower cognition in kids.
What the research says
A 2025 screening study in Environ Sci Technol identified flame retardants across household products, including food contact items. A 2025 study showed organophosphate flame retardants transfer through skin, and are toxic in mixtures.
Swap black plastic utensils for stainless steel, wood, or silicone. The color is the tell: non-black plastic is more likely to be virgin material, but plain materials like steel or wood are cleaner options regardless.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
| Sweat-amplified dermal transfer of PFAS and OPEs. | Sci Total Environ | 2025 |
What to use instead
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