In recent years, the surge in restaurant take outs has brought about a significant increase in plastic waste from packaging materials such as bags, plastic boxes, and containers. This environmental concern has been amplified by celebrity nutritionist and lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho, who recently took to Instagram to urge food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy to switch to biodegradable containers.
Coutinho's Instagram post highlighted not only the environmental impact but also the health risks associated with packing hot food in plastic containers. "Please work with your partners to ensure food deliveries happen in biodegradable, non-plastic containers. Many restaurants do this already, please make it uniform. Deliver food and health…Hot food in plastic is making people sicker…You’ll have the power to help make a change," his post read.
Check out the post:
In his caption, Luke revealed the dangers of packing hot food into a plastic container. Stating that restaurants often cook orders on high heat and flame with refined oil, which destroys most ingredients and nutrients, he explained that immediate packing can retain immense heat and steam. As a result, the plastic is broken down into dangerous BPA and other toxins that harm the human body and affect hormones, fertility, and estrogens.
Mentioning Zomato and Swiggy alongside the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Coutinho added, “We need to move to biodegradable non-plastic asap for better health and a better earth. You’ll have the power to make this change and be part of a healthier India.”
Reply from Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal:
The post quickly garnered attention on social media, drawing a response from Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal. Acknowledging Coutinho's concerns, Goyal responded, "Thanks Luke for bringing this up. We will do what we can — will highlight restaurants which use food safe packaging, so customers can make a more conscious choice." To this, Coutinho expressed his gratitude and even extended help from his end.
As the issue of plastic waste and its harmful effects on health and the environment continues to gain prominence, Coutinho's call to action serves as a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices in the food delivery industry.
