Ziploc, the leading brand in food storage bags and containers used by more than 200 million Americans, is facing an escalating health crisis after a California resident filed a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer S.C. Johnson & Son.
The lawsuit accuses the company of misleading consumers by marketing its products as "safe for microwave use" and "suitable for freezing," while allegations indicate they may release harmful plastic particles when exposed to extreme heat or cold, potentially exposing millions to long-term toxins, according to a report published by the British newspaper "Daily Mail."
The lawsuit claims that a single bag can release up to 4.22 million microplastic particles and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles within just three minutes of microwave heating.
The 51-page lawsuit is based on recent scientific studies showing that materials used in Ziploc products, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, degrade when exposed to heat or cold, releasing fine particles that can transfer to food or drink.
Research reveals that these particles can accumulate in body tissues over time, and have already been found in the liver, kidneys, brain, and even bone marrow. Studies have linked high levels to health risks including cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
The plaintiff, Linda Chislow, accuses S.C. Johnson of deceiving consumers by using reassuring slogans that hide the actual risks of using their products, noting that consumers and their families have been exposed to harmful materials without their knowledge.
The company responds
In response, S.C. Johnson denied the validity of the accusations in a statement on the "Daily Mail" website, affirming that all Ziploc products are "safe when used according to instructions."
The case highlights growing calls to update microwave usage safety standards adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA, as experts believe the current standards do not consider long-term effects and do not analyze the fine particles emitted from plastics when they are heated or frozen.
