>
> Polypropylene and polyethylene food containers outgas very little, but some
> claim a definite effect on taste.
>

I found that when I was culturing tadpole shrimp, that they would invariably
die overnight if they were transferred to fresh plastic drink cups.  Had a
student run an experiment with different plastics, but the results were
inconclusive.

Years ago, when I was setting up a university insectary, I was cautioned by
another entomologist that had trouble with some cultures in plastic
containers.  I have since used lots of polystyrene and polyethylene
containers for various insect cultures without apparent problems.

So no firm answers, but I do suspect that some of the plasticizers used may
cause problems.  I can personally often smell, and bees have a much better
sense of smell than mine!

Randy Oliver

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