Celebrity nutritionist Luke Coutinho has sparked a public debate by calling on food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato to abandon plastic containers in favour of biodegradable options. Coutinho’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over the health risks associated with plastic packaging, especially for hot food. Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, has responded positively, while Swiggy has yet to comment.
Health Concerns over Plastic Containers
In a recent Instagram post, Luke Coutinho highlighted the potential dangers of using plastic containers for hot food delivery, calling on Swiggy, Zomato, and their partner restaurants to adopt safer, biodegradable packaging. He stressed that high temperatures can cause plastic to release harmful chemicals into food, posing significant health risks.
“Swiggy, Zomato, and restaurants, please ensure food deliveries happen in biodegradable, non-plastic containers,” Coutinho urged in his post. He emphasized that many restaurants already use safer alternatives and encouraged a uniform approach to delivering both food and health.
Dangers of Plastic Packaging
Coutinho elaborated on the specific risks associated with plastic containers. He noted that heat and steam from hot food can break down plastic into hazardous substances like BPA, which can disrupt hormones, affect fertility, and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
“The heat starts to break down the plastic into dangerous BPA and other toxins that wreak havoc on the human body,” Coutinho wrote. He advocated for an urgent shift to biodegradable, non-plastic containers for better health and a cleaner environment.
Appeal to Food Delivery Platforms and Authorities
Coutinho extended his plea to regulatory authorities, tagging Swiggy, Zomato, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in his social media post. “@swiggyindia @zomato @fssai_safefood, you have the power to make this change and be part of a healthier India,” he added.
Zomato CEO’s Response
Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, responded to Coutinho’s concerns, expressing a commitment to improving food safety practices. “Thanks, Luke, for bringing this up. We will do what we can—we will highlight restaurants that use food-safe packaging, so customers can make a more conscious choice,” Goyal said.
Coutinho appreciated Goyal’s response and willingness to take action. “Thank you @deepigoyal @zomato for acknowledging this and moving to action. It’s about coming together to build a healthier country,” Coutinho replied, expressing hope that Swiggy would also take a stand.
Swiggy is yet to respond
As of now, Swiggy has not responded to Coutinho’s appeal. The nutritionist has urged the platform to acknowledge the issue and participate in the move towards safer food delivery practices.
Health Implications of Plastic Packaging
Research highlights several health risks associated with using plastic containers for hot food:
- Hormonal Disruption: Chemicals like BPA can interfere with hormonal balance, potentially leading to conditions such as infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Increased Chronic Disease Risk: Long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastics can elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Impaired Immunity: Ingesting microplastics can cause inflammation, poor gut health, and weakened immune systems.
Call for Change
The push for biodegradable packaging is part of a broader movement to enhance public health and environmental sustainability. Food companies and delivery platforms are encouraged to adopt these practices to ensure a safer and healthier future.