October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Bettesworth Construction
black plastic

Black Plastic Kitchen Utensils and Food Containers May Contain Flame Retardants

A study detected flame retardants in many of the black plastic household products it analyzed, including food-contact items. Hereโ€™s what the findings doโ€”and donโ€™tโ€”mean for your kitchen.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some black plastic kitchen utensils and food-service items tested in a 2024 study contained flame retardants, including deca-BDE (BDE-209). The study does not establish that every black plastic product is contaminated, or that a specific utensil in your kitchen contains these chemicals. Its exposure estimate for BDE-209 from kitchen utensils was corrected in 2025 to 7,900 ng/day; that is a modeled estimate, not a measurement of an individualโ€™s exposure or a health outcome.

What the study foundโ€”and what it did not

Researchers Megan Liu, Sicco H. Brandsma, and Erika Schreder screened 203 black plastic household products for bromine, then tested products above 50 parts per million for flame retardants and polymer type. The sample included food-contact items such as kitchen utensils and food serviceware, as well as toys and other household products. It was not a representative survey of all products sold in the United States. The study, published in Chemosphere in 2024, reported flame retardants in 85% of the products analyzed and summed concentrations as high as 22,800 mg/kg. Those figures describe the tested sample, not the prevalence or chemical content of every black plastic product.

The researchers detected deca-BDE, also called BDE-209, along with other flame retardants. They discuss plastics from electronics entering household items through recycling as a possible route; the study does not prove that every tested product came from recycled electronic waste. It also does not identify what is in any particular readerโ€™s utensil or container.

How to interpret the corrected exposure estimate

The authorsโ€™ estimate of BDE-209 exposure from kitchen utensils changed after publication. A 2025 corrigendum corrected the transfer calculation for contaminated utensils and hot cooking oil: โ€œThe corrected estimated BDE-209 exposure is 7900 ng/day instead of 34,700 ng/day.โ€ The corrected figure is a model based on study results and prior experimental work, not a direct measurement of a personโ€™s exposure. It cannot establish whether a particular item is safe or unsafe, and it is not a clinical health finding. The authors said the correction does not change the studyโ€™s finding that flame retardants were detected in sampled products.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Umite Chef Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set, 33 pcs Non-Stick Silicone Cooking Kitchen Utensils Spatula Set with Holder, Wooden Handle Silicone Kitchen Gadgets Utensil Set (Khaki)
  • FOOD GRADE SILICONE: Made of food-grade silicone, BPA-free, can use in any type of food. And it will probably last longer than the other plastic kitchen utensils. This silicone cooking utensils does not react with food or beverages, you donโ€™t have to worry about the health of your families will not retain odors or colors, Before the first use, the original smell will disappear after the silicone soaking in water and exposed it to the air for about 3 hours
  • NO BEND & NO BREAK & HEALTHY FOR COOKWARE: Our kitchen utensils are more sturdy than other usual wooden kitchen utensils, ensures daily use for a long time without being worn down. Designed not to bend, break or rust
  • HIGH TEMPERATURE WITHSTAND: The Silicone Cooking Utensils can withstand high temperatures up to 446ยฐF/230ยฐC. All-around silicone added to the softness, no longer worry food will stick your cookware. Silicone head protect your pans, keep the cookware surface not scratched or dented. Extend the life of all your kitchen pans.They are scratch resistant, unlike plastic and rubber utensils that will easily melt or metal kitchen utensils harm your nonstick pots
  • 33 DURABLE WOODEN HANDEL KITCHEN UTENSILS SET: Anti scalding protect your hand from burning, 33 professional silicon Kitchen utensil set includeshe set includes flexible spatula, soup ladle,serving spoons pasta server, spatula turner , tongs, mesuring cup and spoons, 10 hooks, silicone mat and so on. Meet your all kinds of kitchen needs, Because of the wooden handle, We don't recommend soaking in water for a long time or dishwasher cleaning
  • BEST KITCHEN TOOLS: One- piece stainless steel core to enhance durability and toughness to keep the spatulas from bending or deformation. 33 Different shape for its unique function would be your great kitchen helper! A small holes on the handles for easy storage. extra 10 pcs hooks and utensils holder for convenient storage. A silicone mat provide you more convenience. Great presents for anyone who loves to cook, also good presents set for your friend,family

A separate corrigendum corrected the reference-dose comparison for a 60 kg adult to 420,000 ng/day. Neither that comparison nor the modeled utensil estimate should be treated as a personal risk assessment.

What โ€œbannedโ€ means for deca-BDE

The word โ€œbannedโ€ needs qualification. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyโ€™s rules restrict decaBDE uses and commerce, but include defined thresholds and exclusions. EPAโ€™s October 2024 revisions include a 0.1% by-weight threshold for unintentional decaBDE in products and articles, and an exclusion for certain recycled plastic that contained decaBDE before recycling if no new decaBDE is added during recycling or production. EPAโ€™s PBT chemicals page describes the rule revisions.

Rank #2
Kitchen Utensil Set-Silicone Cooking Utensils-33 Kitchen Gadgets & Spoons for Nonstick Cookware-Silicone and Stainless Steel Spatula Set-Best Kitchen Tools, Useful Pots and Pans Accessories
  • 33 COOKING UTENSILS - Utensil Set includes everything you need to cook that perfect dish,includes Slotted Spatula ,Slotted Spoon,Flexible Spatula,Slotted Turner, Solid Turner, Pasta Server,Solid Spoon, Kitchen Tongs, Draining Spoon, Whisk ,Deep Soup Ladle,Spatulas,Brush,Peeler,Pizza Cutter,Bottle Opener,Potato,Pusher,Ice-cream spoon,Can opener,Grater,Scissors,measuring cups and spoons set,Small Brush,,Small spatula,Spatula,Holder
  • LASTS A LIFETIME: The most durable utensils set in the market features thick handles designed using top-grade 304 stainless steel, and utensil heads made out of durable silicone. Even with daily use, theyโ€™re designed to not bend like plastic utensils, not break like wooden kitchen tools, and not rust like other metallic utensils.
  • PROTECT YOUR EXPENSIVE PANS: The non-scratch silicone heads pair great with your expensive non-stick pans, pots and bakeware, ensuring that the cookware surface is not scratched or dented; theyโ€™re the perfect tools to extend the life of all your kitchen pans.
  • NO PLASTIC WHATSOEVER: There is no trace of plastic in the entire construction. Itโ€™s also usable for an effortless clean, with the elegant design sprucing up your kitchen. This kitchen utensils set is to be completely free of BPA and latex.
  • EASY TO CLEAN & STORE: Our heat resistant utensils are fast, simple and easy to clean. Simply toss these in the dishwasher to wash off any grease or oil in seconds and feature small holes on the handles to let you hang these to store them without taking much space.

The study did not determine whether any individual product violated the law. A chemical detection in a tested item does not by itself establish a legal violation; the applicable rule, concentration, product circumstances, and exclusions matter.

What to use instead of plastic for cooking and storage

Consumer Reports recommends silicone or wood kitchen tools in place of plastic utensils, and glass or stainless steel for food storage. These are material-based alternatives, not a guarantee that a particular product is free of every chemical or a comparative test of brands. Consumer Reportsโ€™ cookware and kitchen-tools guidance also notes that plastic lids can touch stored food, so the container body alone does not account for every food-contact surface.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
AOTHOD Silicone Cooking Utensils Set - 446ยฐF Heat Resistant Kitchen Utensils,Turner Tongs,Spatula,Spoon,Brush,Whisk,Kitchen Utensil Gadgets Tools Set for Nonstick Cookware,Dishwasher Safe (BPA Free)
  • Food Grade Safe Silicone: Made of food-grade silicone, BPA-free, safe for contact with all types of food, aothod silicone cooking utensils set can withstand temperatures up to 446 ยฐF, even if used in high-temperature frying environments, there is no need to worry about melting, these silicone utensils do not react with food or jams, will not retain odors or colors when stirring food products
  • Nonstick Cookware Friendly: The thickened silicone head of this silicone kitchen utensils set is soft and elastic, ideal for silicone utensils for cooking with nonstick pans, makes close contact with the pan surface without scratching the nonstick coating, thus extending the pan's service life, the silicone handle with moderate size offers a comfortable grip and blocks heat transfer; making it easy to flip, strain dishes or serve soup
  • Seamless Design No Food Residue & Dishwasher Safe: Each piece in this silicone cooking utensils set is reinforced with stainless steel to maintain an initial optimal memory state, they never warp and are full of flexibility, one-piece molding has no gaps to capture food, making cleaning very easy, you can leave the cleaning job to the dishwasher, which frees your hands easily
  • Complete and Practical Silicone Utensils Sets: Includes large Slotted Spoon, small Slotted Spoon, Turner, Deep Soup Ladle, Spatula, Solid Spoon, Basting Brush, Flexible Spatula,Slotted Turner, Pasta Server, Egg Whisk, Kitchen Tongs, Utensils Holder, Egg Separator, this silicone spatula set meets all daily cooking and baking needs, suits new homes and apartments for daily use
  • Ideal Gift Choice: aothod silicone kitchen utensils set comes with elegant packaging, an ideal gift for anyone who loves silicone utensils for cooking, making it a thoughtful choice for housewarmings, wedding registries, birthdays or holidays, fits daily cooking needs, allows recipients whether family or friends to joyfully immerse in culinary exploration
  • For cooking tools: consider silicone or wood utensils rather than plastic.
  • For food storage: consider glass or stainless-steel containers, and check whether a plastic lid contacts the food.

The cited guidance does not establish comparative durability, heat tolerance, or chemical content across brands. Choose products suited to their intended use and follow their care instructions.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Should you throw out a black plastic spatula?

The study alone cannot tell you whether your spatula contains flame retardants, so it does not support a blanket instruction to discard every black plastic utensil. If you prefer to reduce contact with plastic cooking tools, you can replace one with a silicone or wooden option. For storage, switching to glass or stainless steel is another source-supported alternative; consider any plastic lid that touches the food as part of the contact surface.

Best Value
Sale
Umite Chef Kitchen Utensil Set, 15pcs Silicone Cooking Utensils
  • 15 PREMIUM KITCHEN UTENSILS SET: 15 professional silicon Kitchen Utensil set includes slotted turner, solid turner, deep soup ladle, pasta server, flexible spatula, spoon spatula, spreader spatula, slotted spatula, bating brush, egg whisk, slotted spoon, solid spoon, kitchen tongs and holder. Meet your all kinds of cooking needs
  • STAINLESS STEEL & HIGH QUALITY SILICONE: Silicone head combine with High quality 18/8 stainless steel handle ensures daily use without broken. Designed not to bend, break or rust. Anti-scald silicone handle cover makes it convenient for daily high-temperature cooking
Rank #4
NonToxic Platinum Silicone Utensils, 100% Plastic-Free, 8-Pcs, Beige
  • โœ… ๐—ก๐—ผ ๐—›๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—ฃ๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐˜€! - ๐—ฃ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—น๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—น ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ: Many silicone utensils hide cheap plastic cores. Not us! We use premium 304 stainless steel for a core thatโ€™s strong, safe, and truly plastic free from start to end.
  • โœ… ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—ฃ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐˜‚๐—บ ๐—ฆ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ โ€“ ๐—ก๐—ผ ๐—•๐—ฃ๐—”, ๐—ก๐—ผ ๐— ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐˜€, ๐—ก๐—ผ ๐—ช๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜€: We use only LFGB-certified, food-grade Platinum Siliconeโ€”free from BPA, fillers, or microplastic junk. That means no weird smells, no leaching, and zero toxic surprisesโ€”just clean, reliable tools that are safe for you and your food.
  • โœ… ๐—›๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—น๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ธ๐—ฒ ๐—ฎ ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ: Designed for real cookingโ€”not just looks. These utensils wonโ€™t melt or warp, even up to 500ยฐF. That means you can flip, stir, and serve straight from the pan, worry-free.
  • โœ… ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ต๐˜„๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐—ฒ, ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€-๐—™๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ ๐—–๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜‚๐—ฝ๐˜€: No stains, no smells, no scrubbing marathons. These non-stick silicone tools rinse off easilyโ€”or just toss them in the dishwasher. Built to handle the mess without holding onto it.
  • โœ… ๐—ž๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฌ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ๐˜„๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ: No scratches. No scrapes. Just smooth silicone thatโ€™s gentle on your favorite non-stick pots and pansโ€” They will stay flawless, meal after meal.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Site Office

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.