Omar Khalid
Food-grade plastic containers are those that meet regulatory standards for food contact. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are safe for all uses. For example, a plastic container might be safe for storing dry pasta but could release harmful chemicals if used to store hot soup. To identify if a plastic container is food grade, look for a recycling symbol with a number inside (1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally safe) and look for labels like “food grade”, “food safe”, or “BPA-free”. Additionally, some food-grade containers will have a cup and fork symbol to indicate that they are safe for food storage.
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What You'll Learn
Check for a recycling symbol with a number inside
Food-grade plastic containers will have a recycling symbol with a number inside. These recycling codes range from 1 to 7 and indicate the type of plastic and its safety for food contact. Generally, the numbers that denote food-grade standards are 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Code 1 represents Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE). It is widely used for drink bottles, salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter containers. It is considered safe for single use but may harbour bacteria or leach chemicals after repeated use or exposure to heat.
Code 2 stands for High-density Polyethylene (HDPE), the most commonly used food-grade plastic. HDPE is found in milk jugs, water bottles, cereal box liners, and laundry detergent bottles. It is known for its strength, durability, and safety in food contact, resisting moisture and chemicals. HDPE food-safe containers are also recyclable.
Code 4 represents Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE safety includes products such as bread bags, six-pack rings, and produce bags. LDPE is food-safe as it provides resistance to toxins, mould, mildew, and corrosion.
Code 5 is for Polypropylene (PP), commonly used for containers that hold ketchup, syrup, and yogurt. PP is ideal for microwave-safe containers due to its high heat resistance and durability in repeated use.
It is important to note that food-grade does not always mean food-safe. Food-grade materials refer to those approved for contact with food and are deemed non-toxic and suitable for food interaction. Food-safe materials, on the other hand, are a step beyond food-grade as they not only ensure food contact safety but also pass stringent tests for temperature resilience and chemical leaching.
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Look for labels like food grade or BPA-free
When selecting a plastic container, it is important to look for labels that indicate its suitability for food storage. While "food grade" and "food safe" are distinct concepts, both are important indicators of a container's safety for food use.
Food grade materials refer to those approved for contact with food. These plastics are deemed non-toxic and suitable for food interaction. However, this does not guarantee their safety for all uses. For example, a food-grade plastic container might be safe for storing dry pasta but could release harmful chemicals if used to store hot soup.
Food-safe materials, on the other hand, are a step beyond food grade. These materials are not only safe for food contact but also pass stringent tests for temperature resilience and chemical leaching. This distinction is crucial for ensuring the materials we use in our kitchens do not compromise our health.
When looking for food-grade containers, keep an eye out for labels that explicitly state "Food Grade" or "Food Safe." These labels indicate that the container is suitable for food storage. Additionally, look for labels like "BPA-free" or "phthalate-free." Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are chemicals known to disrupt hormones, so choosing products that do not contain these chemicals is important for your health.
Recycling symbols and numbers can also provide valuable information about a container's suitability for food use. Look for recycling symbols with numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5, as these are generally considered safe for food. Number 2, specifically, indicates High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is commonly used for food-grade containers due to its strength, durability, and resistance to moisture and chemicals.
Some containers may also have additional symbols indicating specific uses. For example, a cup and fork symbol indicates that the container is safe for food storage. Other symbols may indicate that the container is dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, or microwave-safe.
Lastly, when in doubt, opt for containers from reputable brands known for their commitment to product safety, such as Tupperware, which has been BPA-free since 2010. Staying informed about new statements and safety standards from brands can help you make safer choices for your health and encourage companies to use safer materials.
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Understand the distinction between food-grade and food-safe
When shopping for food storage containers, it is crucial to ensure that the products are made for use with food. You may have come across the terms "food safe" and "food grade" while looking for such products. Although similar, the two terms are not interchangeable.
"Food grade" refers to the materials from which a product is made. It indicates that the product is permitted to come into direct contact with food meant for human consumption. Food-grade materials are non-toxic and can be used within the recommended temperature range. They meet regulatory standards for food contact. However, food-grade materials are not always food-safe. For example, a food-grade plastic container may be safe for storing dry pasta but could release harmful chemicals if microwaved or used to store hot liquids.
"Food-safe" products, on the other hand, are made with food-grade materials and are fit for their intended use. They will not create any safety hazards when used appropriately. Food-safe materials are not only safe for food contact but also pass stringent tests for temperature resilience and chemical leaching. They ensure no harm or contamination under normal usage conditions.
To identify food-grade containers, look for a recycling symbol with numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5, which are generally safe. Also, look for labels like "food grade", "BPA-free", "phthalate-free", "FDA approved", or "USDA approved". Some food-grade buckets will also have a cup and fork symbol to indicate that they are safe for food storage.
To summarise, while food-grade materials are deemed safe for human consumption and permitted to come into contact with food, food-safe materials are a step beyond food-grade, as they are specifically designed for their intended use and will not create any food safety hazards.
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Check for a cup and fork symbol
The presence of a cup and fork symbol on a plastic container is a clear indicator that the container is suitable for storing food. This symbol is a standardised one, indicating that the container is food-grade. The symbol is usually found near the recycling logo on the bottom of the container.
The cup and fork symbol is a requirement in the EU, but it is not mandatory in the US. However, even in the absence of this symbol, a plastic container can still be food-grade. In the US, the focus is on FDA compliance, and containers may instead display markings like "FDA approved", "USDA approved", or explicit "food grade" or "food safe" labelling.
The cup and fork symbol is often accompanied by other symbols that indicate specific uses for the container. For example, radiating waves or squiggly lines indicate that the container is microwave-safe, while a snowflake symbol means it is freezer-safe. A symbol of dishes in water or a wine glass and fork in water indicates that the container is dishwasher-safe.
It is important to note that not all plastic containers are created equal, and some may not be safe for food storage. When in doubt, it is best to look for explicit "food grade" or "food safe" labelling or contact the manufacturer directly to verify FDA compliance. Additionally, never repurpose containers that were originally designed for chemicals, paints, or other non-food items for food storage, even after cleaning, as they may contain harmful residues.
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Check for other symbols like radiating waves or a snowflake
When identifying if a plastic container is food grade, it is important to check for other symbols like radiating waves or a snowflake. These symbols indicate that the container is safe for use in a microwave or freezer, respectively. Other symbols to look out for include a cup and fork, which indicate that the container is safe for food storage, or an image of dishware, which means it is dishwasher-safe.
It is also important 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 uses. For example, a food-grade container might be safe for storing dry pasta but could release harmful chemicals if used to store hot soup. Food-safe materials, on the other hand, have passed stringent tests for temperature resilience and chemical leaching, ensuring they do not compromise health under normal usage conditions.
To ensure food safety, it is recommended to choose food-safe products, especially for high-heat applications. Look for labels such as "'food grade" or "food safe", as well as "BPA-free" and "phthalate-free" to avoid harmful chemicals. Additionally, check for recycling symbols with numbers inside; 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food storage.
It is worth noting that even if a container is made of food-grade plastic, it could have coloured dyes that make it unsuitable for food storage. Some dyes can be toxic and contaminate food. Therefore, always check the label and description to ensure the container is safe for food storage.
By following these guidelines and checking for relevant symbols and labels, you can make informed choices when selecting plastic containers for food storage to maintain the safety and quality of your food.
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Frequently asked questions
Check for a recycling symbol with a number inside (1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally safe) and look for labels like “food grade”, “food safe”, or “BPA-free”.
Food-grade plastics include HDPE, LDPE, PC, PETE, and PP.
Food-grade plastics are used for food storage and food packaging.
Food-grade plastics meet regulatory standards for food contact, while food-safe plastics ensure no harm or contamination under normal usage conditions.
Food-safe plastics are marked with a cup and fork symbol. They may also be labelled “FDA approved” or “USDA approved”.
