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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A 2025 class-action complaint alleged that some Ziploc bags and containers could release microplastics into food when heated or frozen. The allegation was not proven in court, and the reviewed sources do not establish whether the specific products release microplastics under defined conditions. The federal case ended in a stipulated voluntary dismissal, not a ruling on the science.
What did the Ziploc lawsuit allege?
In Cheslow v. S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Case No. 3:25-cv-03655, filed April 25, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the plaintiff alleged that Ziploc bags and containers marketed for uses including microwave reheating and freezer storage could release microplastics into food. The complaint also alleged that consumers were not adequately warned, referring to marketing such as “Microwave Safe.” Those statements were allegations in a pleading, not findings by a court. The complaint is hosted by ClassAction.org.
Was the lawsuit dismissed, and did consumers receive compensation?
The American Bar Association’s 2025 Enforcement and Litigation Committee Report says the parties stipulated to voluntary dismissal of the federal case. A stipulated dismissal is not a court decision that the allegations were true or false; it did not resolve the scientific question of whether the products release microplastics.
A related Quebec proceeding was withdrawn with court authorization on September 29, 2025, before class certification. Lambert Avocats reports that the plaintiff acknowledged the filed documents did not substantiate the allegations and that the defendants had implemented measures to ensure product safety for freezer and microwave use. The firm also says the court did not rule on the merits. This case history does not establish a settlement or consumer payout.
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- EasyGuide Texture: Helps you know your sandwich bag is completely sealed without missing a spot
- EasyGuide Seal: Helps keep food fresh until lunchtime; open and close your Ziploc sandwich bags with ease
- Reusable sandwich bags are made so you can reuse after hand-washing & drying. Follow product usage instructions
- Help Reduce Food Waste: Helps preserve the life of food
- All Ziploc Brand Bags are made without BPA or Phthalates
What does the FDA say about microplastics in food?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says some evidence suggests microplastics and nanoplastics enter the food supply, primarily through environmental contamination. The agency states: “Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that the levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health.” That statement concerns levels detected in food; it is not a finding about every product or every exposure scenario.
The FDA also says there is insufficient scientific evidence to show that microplastics migrate from plastic food packaging into foods and beverages. It notes that studies use variable methods, with no standardized methods to detect, quantify, or characterize particles and accuracy or specificity limitations in many studies. These limitations make it important not to treat the complaint’s claims—or findings from unrelated studies—as a measured release rate for Ziploc products.
Rank #2
- EasyGuide Texture: Helps you know your sandwich bag is completely sealed without missing a spot
- EasyGuide Seal: Helps keep food fresh until lunchtime; open and close your Ziploc sandwich bags with ease
- Reusable sandwich bags are made so you can reuse after hand-washing & drying. Follow product usage instructions
- Help Reduce Food Waste: Helps preserve the life of food
- All Ziploc Brand Bags are made without BPA or Phthalates
Food-contact materials marketed for use with food must be authorized, and the FDA’s review considers migration under intended conditions of use and toxicological data. That general regulatory framework is not a product-specific microplastics test result and does not settle the complaint’s specific allegation.
Does the lawsuit show that Ziploc bags are unsafe to microwave?
No. The complaint raised a concern; it did not establish that Ziploc bags release microplastics or that using them as directed is harmful. The sources reviewed provide no product-specific measurement under stated heating or freezing conditions, so they also cannot prove that there is no release.
Rank #3
- Amazon Basics Double Zipper Sandwich Bags, 100 Count
- Size: 6 ½” x 5 7/8” each
- DOUBLE ZIPPER CLOSURE
- HELPS TO SEALS IN FLAVOR AND FRESHNESS FOR FOOD ITEMS
- EASY OPEN AND CLOSE DESIGN: Large tab design makes these plastic sandwich bags easy to use
S.C. Johnson published a statement on April 1, 2018, about dioxins in microwave use. The company said specified Ziploc containers and microwaveable bags met FDA requirements for defrosting and reheating when label directions were followed, and that its Zip’n Steam products met requirements for cooking use. That older company statement addresses dioxins—not microplastic release—and should not be read as evidence either for or against the lawsuit’s microplastics allegation. For a particular product, use only the temperatures and purposes allowed by its current label.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you switch to glass or reusable food-storage bags?
This evidence does not establish that switching materials reduces health risk. If you are choosing a storage product for practical reasons, compare the food-contact material, intended temperature range and use, durability, cleaning requirements, weight, breakage risk, and the manufacturer’s microwave and freezer instructions. A product’s material alone does not establish its safety for a particular use; check the instructions for the specific item.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ziploc Brand Sandwich Bags feature Grip 'n Seal technology to make the small plastic bags easier to open and close, even with wet hands
- Ziploc Brand small bags block out air and helps lock in freshness, which means less wasted food and more money saved
- The Grip 'n Seal triple system seal on these food storage bags features an extended tab, easy grip texture and a double zipper to help protect your food
- Ideal for packing sandwiches, pizza slices, subs, cookies, fruit, carrot sticks, chips and more, these handy plastic sandwich bags are great to pack lunch for yourself and your family or just to keep snacks fresh and accessible
- Ziploc Brand resealable bags are certified Kosher and the easy dispensing box lets you grab and go quickly; the space-saving design is perfect for tucking into smaller spaces
Rank #4
- Reclosable sandwich bags for everyday lunches, travel snacks, and more
- Double zipper clicker closure ensures a secure seal
- Includes 300 sandwich-size storage bags, each measuring 6.5 x 5.9 inches (LxW)
- Not recommended for use in microwave or for storing liquids
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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.
