Question Hi, I have heard that some stainless steel beverage and food containers are unsafe due to a chemical in the lining or surface which would contact the food or drink especially if the food is hot or acidic like tea/coffee as in the tote mugs or water bottles. Would you please explain this and specify which foods are safe and how to know which containers ( brand names or information) are in fact safe for hot tea/coffee, cold water, and hot foods? I have heard different things from friends and would like definitive answers about which stainless steel to buy and which to avoid. Much appreciated!
Answer This is a very hot topic at the moment and there is considerable controversy over whether the plastic used in linings for steel cans and water bottles are safe. Several manufacturers have begun offering water bottles without liners, an example is the Klean Kanteen.
More info on the Klean Kanteen can be found here: http://www.kleankanteen.com/about/bpa.html
The FDA has issued the following statement on BPA:
Until additional studies have been performed it is difficult to say whether or not these liners are safe. The FDA currently considers these products as safe, but they concede that additional research may be necessary before the affects of plastic liners is known.
