Is it safe to eat deli meat wrapped in plastic?
Use caution with deli meat wrapped in plastic. Buy smaller amounts and move opened meat into glass storage.
What's actually in it
Deli meat is usually packed in plastic pouches, plastic film, or plastic trays. It is also a fatty, salty food that may sit in packaging for days.
The goal is not to panic over one sandwich. The better habit is to lower repeated plastic contact from packaged meats.
What the research says
A 2025 Journal of Hazardous Materials total diet study found plasticizers in 85% of analyzed food samples. It found DEHA was mainly related to fresh food wrapped in plastic materials, and some non-phthalate plasticizers were detected in meat.
This study does not prove every deli meat package has the same additive level. It does support caution with fatty packaged foods stored in plastic.
Practical takeaway: buy smaller amounts, use them within a few days, and move opened deli meat into glass storage. When possible, choose fresh-sliced meat wrapped in paper, or cook a whole cut of meat at home and slice it yourself.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic additives in the diet: Occurrence and dietary exposure in different population groups. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
What to use instead
For opened deli meat, use glass storage instead of leaving slices in plastic film or pouches.
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