Maya Ellison
Plastic food containers are a common household item, used for storing leftovers, ingredients, and meal prep. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of using plastic for food storage due to the potential release of microplastics and chemical additives. To minimise these risks, it is recommended to use plastic containers only for storing cold food, dry goods, and non-acidic, non-fried foods at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It is also important to choose food-grade plastic containers and avoid those with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7, which may contain potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, single-use plastic containers should be used only once, and care should be taken not to microwave or dishwasher unsafe plastic containers. To optimise storage space, plastic containers can be stacked inside one another or organised using tension rods, wall-mounted file holders, or undershelf baskets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic container type | Food-grade plastic, freezer-safe, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, single-use |
| Plastic container features | Airtight, locking lids, leak-proof, stackable, see-through |
| Plastic container maintenance | Wash by hand, avoid scratching, avoid warping, avoid high temperatures |
| Plastic container alternatives | Glass, ceramic, stainless steel |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose food-grade plastic containers to avoid chemical contamination
- Avoid single-use plastics, which are not designed to withstand heating and cooling
- Use freezer-safe plastics to prevent freezer burn and leakage
- Avoid microwaving plastics, use glass or ceramic containers instead
- Stack containers and use dividers to maximise storage space
Choose food-grade plastic containers to avoid chemical contamination
Plastic is widely used for storing food, but it has been found to contain harmful chemicals such as BPAs, which are unsafe for human consumption. Therefore, it is important to choose food-grade plastic containers to avoid chemical contamination.
Food-grade plastic containers are those that will not transfer non-food chemicals into the food. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), non-food grade plastic containers may contaminate food. Food-grade plastic containers must meet regulations and cannot contain dyes, additives, or any harmful products. They can, however, contain recycled materials, provided they fit the appropriate guidelines.
The safest food-grade plastics for food storage are those with ID numbers 2, 4, and 5. These plastics include the materials HDPE, LDPE, and PP. They are known to be safe and do not leach toxic chemicals into food. On the other hand, plastics with the ID number 1 are only safe for single-use and should not be reused, as they become dangerous. Plastics with ID numbers 3 and 6 should also be avoided for food storage as they are known to leach chemicals.
When choosing plastic containers for the freezer, only use containers with a freezer-safe label. Single-use containers, such as ice cream or milk cartons, should be avoided for freezer storage. Instead, choose containers that are moisture-vapor resistant, leak-proof, and easy to seal. Similarly, when using plastic containers in the microwave, only use containers that are specifically manufactured for microwave use and are labelled as "microwave-safe".
To save space when storing plastic food containers, stack them together with their corresponding lids. You can also use tension rods to create compartments in drawers or utilize wall-mounted file holders to store lids.
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Avoid single-use plastics, which are not designed to withstand heating and cooling
Single-use plastics are designed for convenience and cheapness, not durability. They are not made to withstand repeated heating and cooling, and doing so can cause them to break down into microplastics, which can be dangerous to wildlife and humans.
Plastics that are intended for single use should only be used once. Most plastics with a recycling code number of "one" are designed for single use, such as disposable water bottles. Instead of reusing these plastics, transfer food to containers designed for storing or reheating meals.
When plastic polymers are heated and cooled, they can be resource-intensive to process. Newer thermal technologies allow manufacturers to increase efficiency and limit their environmental impact. However, the process of heating and cooling can still be challenging for the plastic, and it is not something single-use plastics are designed to withstand.
Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to plastic pollution. They are often made from dirty, non-renewable resources, and they accumulate in landfills and the natural environment. Plastic waste clogs sewers, provides breeding grounds for pests, and increases the transmission of vector-borne diseases. By avoiding single-use plastics, you can help reduce the environmental and health impacts of this waste.
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Use freezer-safe plastics to prevent freezer burn and leakage
Freezer burn is caused when frozen foods are exposed to cold, dry air, which makes them dehydrated as the outer layers lose moisture. To prevent freezer burn, it is important to stop moisture from escaping in the first place. The right packaging helps to limit the amount of air, odours, and moisture vapour.
To prevent freezer burn and leakage, use freezer-safe plastics. Freezer-safe containers are designed to withstand freezing temperatures and prevent moisture vapour from escaping, which can lead to freezer burn. They are also less likely to become brittle and crack or shatter easily. Look for containers that are labelled as freezer-safe or freezer-ready. These containers are usually moisture-vapour resistant, leak-proof, and easy to seal.
When freezing food in plastic containers, choose thick, heavy-duty plastic containers that are specifically designed for freezing. Thick, reusable silicone bags can also be used to prevent freezer burn. These bags are designed to last longer in the freezer and have a sliding zip that is easier to open and close.
Additionally, always ensure that your freezer temperature is at or below freezing. A thermometer can be used to check the temperature, which should be at "Cold", "Low", or 0°F, depending on your freezer model.
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Avoid microwaving plastics, use glass or ceramic containers instead
Plastic food containers are convenient for storing leftovers and meal prepping. However, it is important to be cautious when using plastic containers for food storage, especially when it comes to microwaving. While plastic is durable, lightweight, and flexible, making it ideal for food storage, it is recommended to avoid microwaving plastics and instead use glass or ceramic containers.
Microwaving food in plastic containers can cause chemical additives and tiny flecks of plastic, known as micro- and nanoplastics, to migrate into the food. These microscopic plastic particles can be harmful to your health, as they have been linked to various issues, including cancer, infertility, and hormone disruptions. Even plastics labelled as "microwave-safe" can release millions of plastic particles when heated, which can disrupt hormones and increase the risk of health issues.
To stay safe, it is recommended to use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving food. Glass and ceramic containers are less likely to leach chemicals into your food, making them a safer option. Glass containers, such as the Pyrex Freshlock 10-piece Glass Storage Set, are sturdy, microwave-safe, and easy to stack and store. Ceramic containers are also a good alternative, as they are durable and can withstand high temperatures.
When using plastic containers for food storage, it is important to follow some best practices. Always use food-grade plastic containers that are specifically designed for food storage. Avoid single-use containers and do not reuse plastic containers that are worn, cracked, or scratched. Additionally, wash plastic containers regularly, either by hand or in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe, to prevent pathogen contamination.
By following these guidelines and opting for glass or ceramic containers when microwaving, you can minimize the potential health risks associated with plastic food storage.
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Stack containers and use dividers to maximise storage space
Stacking containers and using dividers are great ways to maximise storage space. If you have a lot of plastic food boxes, you can save space by stacking them inside each other, with the smaller containers inside the larger ones. Square or rectangular containers are better for maximising space in your fridge or freezer, while round containers are good for liquids.
If you store your plastic food boxes in a drawer, you can use dividers to separate the containers from their lids. Tension rods can be used to create different-sized compartments, with the containers in one section and the lids in another. You can also use a desktop mail sorter in a pull-out drawer to make the most of the small, slender compartments.
Another option is to use a mesh basket with sections designed for dividing different items. This is ideal if you store your plastic food boxes on a shelf rather than in a drawer. You can simply pull the basket out to access what you need.
If you have a large cupboard, you can use a shelf insert to stack containers by size and shape, with the lids separated using a wooden divider system.
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Frequently asked questions
To save space, stack your plastic food containers inside one another when they're not being used for food storage.
Only use plastic food containers for cold food storage. Plastic containers should not be used for hot food storage as they can release microplastics into the food. Instead, use glass or stainless steel containers for hot food.
Wash plastic containers by hand unless they have a dishwasher-safe label. Ensure the grooves around the openings are clean so pathogens do not contaminate food. Do not use containers with lids that no longer seal well, or containers that are worn, scratched, cracked or misshapen.
No, plastic containers should not be used in the microwave. Only use containers that are manufactured for microwave use, such as glass, ceramic and certain plastics labelled as "microwave-safe". Plastic containers should also only be put in the freezer if they have a freezer-safe label.
