It’s frequently neglected, yet it’s critical to think about whether your food and water are free of hazardous chemicals and toxins that can be released by certain types of plastics. Some plastic containers are safer for food and water storage than others. So which plastics are okay for storing food?
What are the criteria for determining whether or not a plastic is safe to use with food?
The following types of plastic are safe to use as food storage containers:
- PET or PETE – (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- HDPE – (High Density Polyethylene)
- LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
- PP – (Polypropylene)
- What types of plastics should you avoid for food storage?
Here are the plastics on what you should not use to store food:
- PVC – (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- PS — (Polystyrene)
- Other – (can contain various plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) )
What are the types of BPA-free plastics?
- PET or PETE – (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- HDPE – (High Density Polyethylene)
- LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
- PP – (Polypropylene)
Plastics that do contain BPA
The recycling code for plastics that may contain BPA is #7, which indicates that they should be avoided for food storage. Although polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) do not technically contain BPA, the chemicals used in their production also have significant health risks.
What is BPA (Bisphenol A)?
BPA is a type of bisphenol A (BPA). Since the 1960s, it’s been used to make certain polycarbonates and resins.
Bisphenol A is said to be a hormone disrupter, and it has been prohibited in baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant food packaging.
BPA is still permitted in a variety of food and beverage containers, however the FDA continues to track its usage and now classifies it as safe. BPA has been classified as hazardous by both Canada and the United States, which have prohibited it from being used in baby goods.
Today’s market offers a wide selection of BPA-free plastic food and beverage packaging, allowing us all to make the most of our reduced exposure.
Which Plastics are safe for food storage (Food Grade Plastics)?
PET or PETE – (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
The most recyclable material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is a transparent, strong, and lightweight plastic that works well for storing water and food for long periods of time.
This kind of container has excellent oxygen barrier qualities and can be used with oxygen absorbers to store large dry items. The sealed containers’ low oxygen level protects the stored food from insect damage and helps to maintain quality.
Stainless steel drums are excellent for storing items that are rotated on a regular basis, yet they can store items for many years. Only PETE bottles that have previously been commercially packed with food should be used. Bottles must have screw-on lids with plastic, not paper or foam, lid seals.
Place an air-tight sealed container of water under the lid and press on it to verify that it does not leak air. To get rid of any residue, wash and rinse bottles. Bottles should be drained and dried. Each bottle should have an oxygen absorber packet put inside of it. Fill each bottle with bulk dry goods that are low in
However, in high-heat locations, I do not recommend using it to keep food or water.
Is PET (also known as number 1) plastic food safe? Yes, it is suitable for food and water storage since it is food and water storage containers.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is another easily recyclable material, similar to PPET. High-Density Polyethylene is a very robust kind of plastic. It’s impact-resistant, long-lasting, and weather resistant.
There are several heavy-duty HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) food buckets that are ideal for keeping food for the long term.
LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is significantly less toxic than other polymers and has a low safety risk.
LDPE plastic is recyclable, but not always reusable. You should check with your local recycling facility to see if they will take LDPE plastic products.
Because of the sort of containers that LDPE plastics are used in, sanitizing and reusing it for long-term food storage may be challenging and impractical.
PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene (PP) is a flexible, yet sturdy, plastic. The heat resistance of PP is excellent, so it is unlikely to leach chemicals like many other plastics would. It prevents moisture, grease, and pollutants from getting in. Polypropylene is the name of the thin plastic liner in a cereal box. This keeps your breakfast crunch
How to use plastic containers for storing food?
Know the Plastic’s Code (1-7)
You’ll find a small triangle with a number in it on the bottom of plastic containers, ranging between 1 and 7. The suggested plastics numbers are as follows: The numbers 3, 6, and 7 must not be used for food applications because they may cause harm to humans or animals through chemical leaching from the container.
Keep Plastic Containers Cool.
After our supper, we put our leftovers in a plastic tupperware and store them in the fridge. Then, when it’s time to eat the leftover food, simply microwave it in the same container. We all do this, and I’m no exception.
Microwaving food in most plastic food containers, on the other hand, is not recommended (there may be exceptions). After their first usage, plastic containers from packaged microwaveable meals should not be reused; they’re only intended for one-time use.
For most plastic containers, putting them in the dishwasher is not recommended.
If you’re looking for high quality food grade polypropylene Storage Container, take a look a Venturepak.
