Omar Khalid
Plastic containers are convenient for storing food, but are they safe to reuse? This is a complex question as plastics are made of strong chemical bonds and contain many different chemicals that can migrate into food depending on factors like contact time, temperature, and food type. While most food-safe containers from restaurants can be reused for short-term storage, experts advise against using plastic containers if possible, especially for hot foods, as heat intensifies the release of chemicals. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, it is recommended to use inert materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for food storage and to avoid plastic containers with certain recycling codes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | It is generally advised to avoid using plastic containers due to the risk of chemical leaching. |
| Reuse | Plastic containers can be reused for a short period, but it is recommended to throw them away after a few months to reduce bacterial build-up and the risk of ingesting microplastics. |
| Washing | Plastic containers should be hand-washed with mild soap and water instead of dishwashers to reduce the risk of chemical leaching. |
| Storage | Plastic containers are recommended for cold or room-temperature storage and should not be used for hot, fatty, acidic, or saucy foods, as these can increase chemical leaching. |
| Alternatives | Inert materials like glass, ceramic, stainless steel, bamboo, or compostable containers are safer alternatives to plastic. |
| Identification | Plastic containers with recycling numbers 1 (PET), 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), or 7 may contain more harmful chemicals, while #5 plastic does not contain BPA. |
| Recommendations | Experts recommend avoiding plastic containers for food storage if possible and opting for reusable containers made from inert materials. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers are not recommended for reuse
Firstly, plastic containers can leach chemicals and microplastics into food, especially when they are washed and exposed to heat, soap, and acidic or fatty foods. These chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can disrupt the endocrine system and have other harmful effects on the body. The risk of chemical leaching increases with repeated use, and even "reusable" plastic containers should be avoided if possible.
Secondly, plastic containers can break down over time, becoming brittle and more likely to release microplastics into food. Discoloration, cloudiness, or stains on the container are signs that it is past its prime and should be recycled rather than reused.
Thirdly, it can be difficult to determine what a plastic container is made of and whether it is safe for reuse. Some types of plastic, such as #7 plastic, are known to contain BPA, while others may release estrogenic activators or heavy metals when reused.
Finally, there are more inert materials available for food storage, such as glass, ceramic, stainless steel, bamboo, or compostable containers. These materials release fewer chemicals into food and are safer for reuse, especially when storing hot, fatty, or acidic foods.
In summary, while it may be tempting to reuse plastic containers, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with plastic leaching and the breakdown of the container over time. To reduce these risks, it is recommended to avoid reusing plastic containers and opt for inert materials whenever possible.
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How to identify safe plastic containers
Reusing plastic containers can be a great way to save money and reduce waste, but it's important to ensure that the containers are safe for reuse. Here are some ways to identify if a plastic container is safe:
Check for Discoloration or Cloudiness
If a plastic container shows signs of discoloration or cloudiness, it's likely past its prime. This indicates that the material is starting to break down, increasing the possibility of chemical leaching. It's recommended to recycle such containers instead of reusing them.
Examine for Bacterial Build-up or Grease Stains
Over time, plastic containers may develop bacterial build-up, especially if they're not properly cleaned. If you notice any signs of bacteria or a greasy film that you can't remove, it's best to discard the container.
Look for the Recycling Codes
Plastic containers often have triangular recycling codes embossed on them, ranging from 1 to 7. These codes indicate the type of plastic and its safety for food contact. For example, Code 2 represents High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is known for its strength, durability, and safety in food contact. On the other hand, Code 3, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is typically used in construction and medical devices and is not recommended for food storage.
Avoid Microwaving or Dishwashing Plastic Containers
Subjecting plastic containers to high temperatures, such as in a microwave or dishwasher, can accelerate the breakdown of chemical bonds, releasing potentially harmful substances like BPA. It's best to avoid using plastic containers for hot foods or liquids and opt for inert materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel instead.
Choose Food-Grade and Food-Safe Materials
Food-grade materials are approved for contact with food and are deemed non-toxic. However, they may not be suitable for all uses, such as microwaving or storing hot foods. Food-safe materials go a step further and pass strigent tests for temperature resilience and chemical leaching, making them a safer choice for kitchen use.
Store Dry Goods at Room Temperature
When reusing plastic containers, it's best to use them for storing dry goods at room temperature. This reduces the risk of chemical migration into your food.
While these tips can help you identify safer plastic containers, it's important to note that the definition of "'safe'" regarding chemical exposure in plastics is complex and ever-evolving. Reducing the use of plastic containers and opting for reusable alternatives like glass or stainless steel can be a healthier and more sustainable choice.
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Safe alternatives to plastic containers
Plastic containers are made of incredibly strong chemical bonds. Because of these bonds, plastics do not readily biodegrade but instead break into smaller fragments, resulting in microplastics and nanoplastics. These can end up in the air, the environment, and your food. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using plastic containers. Here are some safe alternatives to plastic containers:
Glass Containers
Glass containers are one of the simplest ways to reduce plastic usage. Glass is recyclable, and it does not release chemicals into your food, even when heated. Glass containers are available in various sizes, from small jars for smoothies to larger containers for meals like lasagna. They are also more durable than plastic and have a longer shelf life.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another alternative for eco-friendly food storage. It is a durable and inert material that does not release chemicals into food. Stainless steel containers are ideal for storing and heating food without the risk of chemical migration.
Silicone Bags
Silicone bags are a reusable and dishwasher-safe alternative to plastic zipper bags. However, it is important to ensure that the silicone bags are made of food-grade silicone and are not sprayed with any coatings. While they are not biodegradable, they are still a more eco-friendly option than plastic.
Cloth Snack Bags
Cloth snack bags are a sustainable alternative to disposable sandwich and snack bags. They are washable, reusable, and ideal for both children's and adults' lunches. Look for 100% cotton snack bags, preferably organic, to ensure the bags are free from harmful chemicals.
Ceramic Containers
Ceramic containers are another option for food storage. They are inert, meaning they do not release chemicals into food. However, it is important to note that not all ceramics are created equal, and some may have glazes or coatings that could be unsafe for food storage.
When choosing alternatives to plastic containers, it is important to consider the type of food being stored. For fatty and hot foods, inert containers like glass or stainless steel are preferable. Additionally, shortening food storage time and avoiding small portion sizes can help reduce the migration of chemicals from packaging into food.
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How to safely reuse plastic containers
Plastic containers are made of complex materials with many chemical and physical properties. While reusing them is usually preferable to recycling, in the case of plastic food and beverage containers, recycling is a better choice. However, if you want to reuse plastic containers, there are several things you can do to ensure your food is stored safely.
Firstly, check the number on the bottom of the container and avoid using types 1 (PET), 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), or 7 (other plastics). These plastics have more harmful chemicals that can leak out when heated or frozen. If you're unsure what type of plastic a container is made of, it's best to avoid reusing it.
Secondly, avoid putting hot, oily, or acidic foods in plastic containers as they can increase chemical leaching. It's best to keep cold or room-temperature foods and dry goods in plastic containers. If you're storing leftovers, let them cool before placing them in a plastic container.
Thirdly, avoid washing plastic containers in the dishwasher, as this can increase the risk of chemical leaching. Instead, hand wash them with mild soap and water. You can also make a sanitizer solution with 200ppm chlorine bleach to mist them with after washing.
Finally, don't reuse plastic containers indefinitely. Throw them away after a few months to reduce the risk of bacterial build-up or leaching plastic. Discontinue use if they become stained, discoloured, cloudy, or otherwise damaged.
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Risks of reusing plastic containers
Reusing plastic containers can pose several risks to human health and the environment. Firstly, plastics are made of strong chemical bonds, which means they do not readily biodegrade but instead break into smaller fragments, leading to the release of microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment and, potentially, our food. Single-use plastics, in particular, shed these particles when exposed to liquids or food, and there are over 4,200 highly hazardous chemicals found in plastic.
Secondly, the reuse of plastic containers can increase the risk of chemical exposure. When plastic is exposed to heat, such as in a microwave or dishwasher, it can break down and leach unknown chemicals into food and drink. This is especially true for polyethylene and polypropylene, which are commonly used in food containers. Even water bottles left in the sun have been shown to have higher rates of chemical migration. Heat is not the only factor affecting chemical migration; the type of plastic, contact time, food type, and contact area between the container and food also play a role. Oily and fatty foods , for example, attract more plastic chemicals, and the longer food is in contact with plastic packaging, the higher the likelihood of chemical migration.
Thirdly, plastic containers can harbor harmful bacteria, which is why most manufacturers recommend single-use only. Bacterial growth can occur quickly, even from ordinary use, and unfinished beverages left at room temperature can experience significant bacteria growth throughout the day.
Finally, certain types of plastic pose specific dangers. Black plastic, for example, often contains high levels of flame retardants, which have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive complications, and elevated cancer risk. Plastic containers with BPA also carry some risk due to the potential effects of cumulative exposure over time.
While it is challenging to avoid plastic entirely, consumers can take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and bacteria. Experts recommend using glass, porcelain, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers for hot foods and liquids, and avoiding the microwave and dishwasher for all plastic containers, especially those not meant for reuse. Consumers should also avoid storing fatty or oily foods in plastic and be cautious when reusing single-use plastic containers, ensuring they are thoroughly washed first.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what the container was designed for and how you are using it. If you are reusing plastic containers, it is best to keep cold or room-temperature items in them. Avoid anything hot, fatty, oily, or acidic, as this can encourage leaching.
Leaching is when chemicals or microplastics are released from the plastic into food or drink.
Recommended exposure limits for chemicals in plastic containers are continuously changing as more research is published. For example, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently proposed decreasing the safe daily exposure limit for bisphenol A (BPA) by 100,000.
Safer alternatives to plastic containers include glass, ceramic, stainless steel, bamboo, or compostable containers.
Check the number on the bottom of the container. Avoid using #1 (PET), #3 (PVC), #6 (PS), or #7 (other plastics). These plastics have more harmful chemicals that can leak out when heated or frozen.
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