Which Plastics Are Safe for Food Storage?

Plastic food storage containers are an everyday kitchen essential, but not all plastics are created equal when it comes to storing food safely. With concerns about chemical leaching and environmental impacts, understanding which plastics are safe for food storage is crucial. This article delves into the different types of plastics, what makes them safe, and what to avoid when selecting containers for your food.

1. Understanding Plastic Codes

The first step in determining the safety of plastic food storage containers is learning about the resin identification code, commonly found as a number inside the recycling triangle on the bottom of most plastic items. These codes, ranging from 1 to 7, help identify the type of plastic used and its recyclability. More importantly, they provide insights into which plastics are safe for food storage and which should be avoided.

2. Safe Plastics for Food Storage

Several types of plastic have been deemed safe for food storage based on their chemical structure and resistance to leaching harmful substances into food. Let’s explore the commonly used food-safe plastics:

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Plastic #1

• Common Uses: Single-use water bottles, soda bottles, and some food containers.
• Safety: PET is generally considered safe for single-use applications, but it’s not recommended for long-term storage or reuse. While it doesn’t release harmful chemicals in short-term use, repeated washing or exposure to high heat can degrade the plastic and increase the risk of chemical leaching.
• Best For: Storing dry goods and using in disposable food packaging, but avoid reusing PET containers for food storage, especially for liquids or fatty foods.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Plastic #2

• Common Uses: Milk jugs, juice bottles, cereal box liners, and certain food storage containers.
• Safety: HDPE is one of the safest plastics for food storage. It is highly resistant to chemical leaching and can withstand freezing temperatures, making it a popular choice for both pantry and freezer storage.
• Best For: Storing both dry and liquid food items, as well as freezer storage.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Plastic #4

• Common Uses: Plastic bags, bread bags, and some squeezable bottles.
• Safety: LDPE is considered food-safe, though it’s typically used for thin, flexible plastic products like bags. While it’s less durable than HDPE, it doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food.
• Best For: Wrapping food or storing non-perishable items in plastic bags, but less ideal for long-term food storage.

PP (Polypropylene) – Plastic #5

• Common Uses: Yogurt containers, reusable food containers, straws, and prescription bottles.
• Safety: Polypropylene is a highly heat-resistant plastic that is considered one of the safest choices for food storage. It doesn’t leach harmful chemicals and can handle the heat from microwaving and dishwashing without breaking down.
• Best For: Reusable food storage containers, microwavable dishes, and any container that will be exposed to heat or frequent use.

3. Plastics to Avoid for Food Storage

While several plastics are considered safe for food storage, there are others that should be avoided due to concerns about chemical leaching, especially when exposed to heat or acidic foods.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Plastic #3

• Common Uses: Cling wrap, shrink wrap, and some packaging materials.
• Safety: PVC contains harmful chemicals like phthalates, which are used to make the plastic flexible but have been linked to potential health risks. When used in food storage, particularly in contact with fatty or hot foods, PVC can leach harmful chemicals into the food.
• Avoid For: Storing food, especially any item that will be heated. Instead, opt for cling wrap labeled as BPA-free or use reusable silicone wraps as an alternative.

PS (Polystyrene) – Plastic #6

• Common Uses: Styrofoam food containers, disposable coffee cups, and plastic utensils.
• Safety: Polystyrene can break down and release harmful chemicals like styrene, especially when exposed to heat. Styrene is considered a possible carcinogen, making PS a risky choice for food storage, especially for hot food or liquids.
• Avoid For: Storing food, particularly reheating leftovers or using for hot beverages. Avoid using Styrofoam containers for takeaway food storage as well.

Other (BPA and Polycarbonate) – Plastic #7

• Common Uses: Baby bottles, water jugs, and some reusable containers.
• Safety: Plastic #7 is a catch-all category for various plastics, including polycarbonate, which often contains Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an industrial chemical that has been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruption. Many manufacturers now offer BPA-free alternatives, but it’s best to avoid plastics in this category unless specifically labeled BPA-free.
• Avoid For: Food storage unless the container is labeled BPA-free. Choose glass or stainless steel as a safer alternative for long-term storage.

4. What About BPA-Free Plastics?

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical used in the production of certain plastics, particularly in the polycarbonate family (Plastic #7). Due to rising health concerns over BPA leaching into food and beverages, many manufacturers now produce BPA-free plastics. However, some studies suggest that even BPA-free plastics may release other harmful chemicals under certain conditions, such as exposure to heat or acidity.

To err on the side of caution, it’s best to avoid plastic food storage containers altogether when dealing with very hot or acidic foods. Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are safer alternatives for long-term storage and reheating.

5. Best Practices for Using Plastic Food Storage Safely

Even if you’re using food-safe plastics, it’s important to follow these best practices to minimize the risk of chemical contamination:

• Avoid High Heat: Even BPA-free plastics can break down under high heat. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers unless they are specifically labeled microwave-safe.
• Hand Wash When Possible: While many plastic containers are labeled dishwasher-safe, the high heat and abrasive detergents can cause the plastic to degrade faster. Hand washing can extend the life of your containers and reduce the risk of chemical leaching.
• Don’t Use Scratched or Damaged Containers: Plastic containers that are scratched, cracked, or worn should be discarded. Damaged plastic is more likely to release chemicals into food, especially when heated.
• Opt for Reusable Options: While disposable plastic containers may seem convenient, reusable options made from food-safe plastics are more eco-friendly and reduce your exposure to potential harmful chemicals.

6. Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Food Storage

If you’re concerned about the safety of plastic food storage, consider switching to more sustainable alternatives like:

• Glass Containers: Heat-resistant and non-porous, glass containers are ideal for both cold and hot food storage.
• Stainless Steel: Durable and chemical-free, stainless steel containers are perfect for long-term storage and outdoor use.
• Silicone: Food-grade silicone bags and containers are flexible, reusable, and free from harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

When it comes to plastic food storage, knowing which types of plastic are safe for food can help protect your health and extend the life of your food. Plastics like HDPE, LDPE, and PP are generally safe and widely used in food containers, while PVC, PS, and polycarbonate should be avoided. By choosing BPA-free options, following proper storage practices, and considering alternatives like glass or stainless steel, you can ensure that your food stays fresh and safe for consumption.