Cling Wrap / Food Film (PVC Type with DEHA Plasticizer) — food safety profile

What is this product?

PVC-based cling wrap (plastic film) containing DEHA (di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate) plasticizer to maintain flexibility. DEHA migrates into food, especially fatty foods (cheese, meat, butter) and at elevated temperatures (microwave). Migration rates of 15-150 mg/kg food have been measured in fatty foods. DEHA is a suspected endocrine disruptor. PVC itself releases vinyl chloride monomer (VCM, IARC Group 1 carcinogen) in trace amounts. PVDC (Saran-type) and LDPE wraps are lower-risk alternatives. Commercial food service wrap is more commonly PVC than household retail wrap.

What's in it

Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.

Who's most at risk

• Children — Higher food intake per body weight; developing endocrine system
• Pregnant Women — Endocrine disruption concern during fetal development

How to use it more safely

• Use only for non-fatty, non-acidic foods at room temperature or below
• Keep wrap from touching food surface — use as a cover, not a wrapper
• Prefer LDPE or silicone alternatives when available

Red flags — when to walk away

• Recycling symbol #3 (PVC/V) — Contains PVC with plasticizer — higher migration risk than LDPE (#4)
• Very clingy/stretchy wrap — High cling = high plasticizer content (likely PVC with DEHA)

Green flags — what to look for

• Labeled as 'PVC-free' or 'LDPE' — Lower plasticizer migration risk

Safer alternatives

• LDPE (polyethylene) cling wrap — No PVC or DEHA; lower migration; less clingy but safer
• Beeswax wraps — Reusable; natural; no plastic or plasticizer
• Glass containers with lids — Zero migration; microwave-safe; reusable

Frequently asked questions