Omar Khalid
Plastic containers are everywhere, from storing our leftovers to holding our takeaway. But how can we tell if they are safe for our food? With thousands of compounds found in plastic products, it's important to know which are safe and which are not. The good news is that there are ways to identify food-safe plastics, from recycling symbols to knowing the different types of plastics and their uses. So, how can we tell if a plastic container is food-safe?
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What You'll Learn
Check the recycling symbol
When it comes to plastic containers, it is important to check the recycling symbol to ensure the product is food-safe. These symbols are usually found on the bottom of the container and will be stamped with a number inside a triangle of arrows. The numbers indicate the type of plastic and its safety for food contact.
Recycling codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food storage. Code 1, or PET/PETE, is safe for single use but may harbour bacteria or leach chemicals after repeated use or exposure to heat. Code 2, or HDPE, is known for its strength, durability, and safety in food contact. It is often used for milk jugs, water bottles, and laundry detergent bottles. LDPE, or recycling code 4, is another plastic that is considered food-safe. PP, or recycling code 5, is commonly used for containers that hold ketchup, syrup, and yogurt.
It is important to note that even if a container is marked as food-grade, it may not be safe for all uses. For example, a food-grade container might be safe for storing dry pasta but could release harmful chemicals if used to store hot liquids. Additionally, some plastics should be avoided for food storage, such as those with recycling codes 3 and 7, as they are known to leach chemicals.
When checking the recycling symbol, also look for other labels or symbols that indicate food safety. Some containers may have markings such as "Food Grade," "Food Safe," "USDA approved," or "FDA approved." Other symbols may indicate that the container is dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, or microwave-safe.
It is crucial to understand the distinction between food-grade and food-safe materials. Food-grade materials are approved for contact with food and are deemed non-toxic, but they may not be safe for all conditions. Food-safe materials, on the other hand, have passed stringent tests for temperature resilience and chemical leaching, ensuring no harm or contamination under normal usage conditions.
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Avoid heat
Plastic containers are not always safe for heating food. Even plastic containers labelled as "microwave-safe" may release small amounts of chemicals or plastic into your food. Therefore, it is important to avoid exposing plastic containers to heat as much as possible.
Firstly, avoid using plastic containers in the microwave. Even "microwave-safe" containers may not be third-party certified and can break down at high temperatures, releasing chemicals into your food. Instead, use glass, ceramic or paper towels to cover food in the microwave.
Secondly, avoid using plastic containers in the dishwasher. The high heat of dishwashers can cause chemical leaching from plastics. Hand washing plastic containers with warm, soapy water is a safer alternative and will help your plastics last longer.
Thirdly, avoid using plastic containers in the oven. If you are reheating food in the oven, transfer the food to a glass, stainless steel or lead-free ceramic container.
Finally, avoid leaving plastic containers in hot places, such as in direct sunlight. UV rays can break down the plastic and cause it to release toxins.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that you are not exposed to harmful chemicals from plastic containers.
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Look for food grade or food safe labels
When it comes to plastic containers, it's important to understand the difference between "food-grade" and "food-safe". Food-grade materials are approved for contact with food and are deemed non-toxic, but they may not be suitable for all uses. For instance, a food-grade container might be safe for storing dry pasta but could release harmful chemicals if used to store hot soup. On the other hand, food-safe materials go beyond food-grade standards by passing stringent tests for temperature resilience and chemical leaching.
To identify if a plastic container is food-safe, look for labels such as "food grade" or "food safe". These labels indicate that the container is safe for storing food and has been reviewed by the FDA's Division of Food Contact Notifications. This team of experts performs studies and tests to ensure that the materials meet strict guidelines for food contact and safety.
In addition to these labels, you can also look for specific recycling symbols and numbers. The recycling symbols and numbers indicate the type of plastic and its suitability for food contact. Symbols like a cup and fork, or letters like "USDA approved" or "FDA approved", indicate that the container is safe for food storage.
When it comes to recycling numbers, plastics ranked 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food storage. Number 1 plastics are safe for single use but may become unsafe if reused or exposed to heat. Numbers 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided as they are known to leach chemicals into food when heated.
It's important to note that even if a container is labelled as food-grade or food-safe, it's always a good idea to check for any additional symbols or instructions. For example, some containers may be marked as microwave-safe, freezer-safe, or dishwasher-safe. By following these indications, you can ensure that you're using the container safely and reducing the risk of any chemical leaching.
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Avoid certain plastics
When it comes to food storage, not all plastics are created equal. Some plastics are considered safer than others and are less likely to leach harmful chemicals into your food. Here are some tips to help you avoid certain plastics and choose safer alternatives:
Avoid plastics with recycling codes 3, 6 and 7:
These plastics should be avoided for food storage as they are known to leach chemicals. Bioplastics, which fall under code 7, have been shown to contain BPA, a chemical that can disrupt hormones. While the levels of BPA in bioplastics are considered too low to accumulate in the body, it's still best to avoid these plastics for food storage if possible.
Avoid single-use plastics:
Plastics marked with code 1 are typically safe for single-use only. These include items like salad dressing bottles, peanut butter containers, and drink bottles. Reusing these plastics can be dangerous as they may harbour bacteria or leach chemicals after repeated use or exposure to heat.
Avoid plastics with BPA:
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in some plastics that can leach into food and beverages. It has been linked to potential health risks, including hormonal disruption. Look for products labelled "BPA-free" or "phthalate-free" and choose plastics with recycling codes 1, 2, 4, or 5, as these are generally considered safer.
Avoid heat:
Exposure to high temperatures can cause chemicals to migrate from the plastic into your food. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher. This is especially important for takeout containers and other forms of plastic not meant for reuse. If you need to heat food in a plastic container, choose a microwave-safe option like polypropylene (PP) containers, which have high heat resistance.
Avoid storing certain foods:
Fatty or oily foods should not be stored in plastic. Many chemicals used in plastic are fat-soluble and can leach into fatty foods more easily. Cut down on plastic water bottles as well, as they contribute to the ingestion of microplastics.
Check for food-grade markings:
Food-grade plastics meet regulatory standards for food contact, but they may not be safe for all uses. Look for labels like "Food Grade", "Food Safe", "BPA-free", or recycling symbols with numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5. These numbers indicate the type of plastic and its safety for food contact.
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Choose BPA-free options
When choosing plastic containers, it is important to opt for BPA-free options to avoid the potential health risks associated with this chemical. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear or clear-tinted, and unbreakable. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers BPA safe at low levels, there are concerns about its potential impact on health, especially for fetuses, infants, and children.
- Look for Opaque Plastics: You can generally assume that opaque plastics, or those that are not see-through, are BPA-free.
- Check Recycling Numbers: On plastic containers, look for recycling numbers 2, 4, and 5, as these are considered safer options. Avoid numbers 3 and 7, as these may contain BPA.
- Avoid Polycarbonate Plastics: Polycarbonate plastics, often marked with a number 7, are known for containing BPA.
- Handwash-Only Containers: If a plastic container indicates it is handwash only, it is likely made of acrylic and free of BPA.
- Microwavable Containers: Containers labelled as microwave-safe may contain BPA. Look for alternative materials like polypropylene (PP), which is BPA-free and suitable for microwave use.
- Newer Plastics: Newer plastic containers are more likely to be labelled as "BPA-free." Check for this label when purchasing new plastic items.
- Avoid Metal Linings: Some metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, may have plastic linings that contain BPA. Choose options that are specifically marked as BPA-free.
- Avoid Scratches and Damage: Scratches and damage on plastic containers can increase the risk of chemical leaching. Avoid using scratched or worn containers.
- Avoid Extreme Heat: Do not expose plastic containers to extreme heat, such as ovens, microwaves, or dishwashers, to prevent chemical leaching.
By following these guidelines, you can make more informed choices when selecting plastic containers and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals like BPA. Remember to also consider alternative materials, such as glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free nylon for food storage and preparation.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the bottom of the container for a recycling symbol with a number inside. Numbers 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food storage, whereas numbers 3 and 7 should be avoided. Number 1 is safe for single use but becomes unsafe if reused or exposed to heat.
Look for labels such as "Food Grade" or "Food Safe" on the container. You can also check for a cup and fork symbol, which indicates that the container is safe for food storage. Additionally, you can look for abbreviations like PETE, LDPE, or PP, which indicate food-grade plastics.
Plastic containers may release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures, such as in a microwave or dishwasher. Some plastics are also not suitable for storing certain types of food, such as fatty or oily foods, as the chemicals in the plastic may leach into the food. It is important to use plastic containers as intended and not for purposes beyond their intended use.
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