Food Grade Plastic: Which Plastics Are Safe For Food Storage

Plastic is commonly used worldwide for food storage, but recent studies have revealed that some plastics may contain harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is considered unsafe for human consumption and can lead to various health issues. This highlights the important question: which types of plastic are actually safe for storing food?

Plastic containers usually have a food-grade symbol on the bottom, numbered from 1 to 7, indicating their safety for food storage. Among these, plastics labeled 2, 4, and 5 are generally regarded as the safest options. Using containers made from these plastics can help minimize the risk of accidental exposure to toxins.

What Does Food Grade Mean in Plastics?

Food-grade plastics are designed to meet strict safety regulations. They cannot contain harmful dyes, additives, or other substances that could contaminate food. While food-safe plastics may include recycled materials, these must comply with specific safety guidelines. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees these standards, ensuring that materials used in food contact are safe and will not release harmful substances.

FDA-Approved Plastics: Food-Safe Plastic Containers for Storage

The FDA has identified several types of plastics as safe for food storage. These food-safe plastics include:

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE)

• Food-grade polypropylene (PP)

• Polycarbonate (PC)

• Acrylic

• Nylon

Is HDPE Food Safe?
Yes, many plastic containers made from HDPE are considered food safe. HDPE is highly chemical-resistant and does not release harmful substances, making it safe for users. Additionally, HDPE containers resist mold, mildew, and corrosion, providing durable and reliable storage for food.

Plastic Safety: Is LDPE Food Safe?

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a tough, chemical-resistant plastic commonly used in thinner resins and rigid applications. Its resistance to chemical reactions helps prevent toxins from leaching into food, making LDPE a food-safe option. On the recycling chart, LDPE is marked as number 4. Common LDPE food-safe products include bread bags, six-pack rings, and produce bags.

Is PET Plastic Food Safe?

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is known for its excellent wear resistance, strength, and stability, which contribute to its overall safety for food storage. Food-grade PET products include single-serve beverage bottles, vitamin bottles, and condiment containers. These items are generally designed for one-time use. While safe for single use, reusing PET jars or exposing them to sunlight can cause them to degrade and potentially release harmful substances.

Is Polyethylene Toxic?

Polyethylene is generally considered safe and non-toxic when used properly. Food safety with polyethylene involves avoiding exposure to high heat or direct sunlight, as UV rays can break down the plastic and pose health risks. Additionally, these containers should not be reused for food storage, as some plastics—like polystyrene—are known to release harmful chemicals, including BPA, when reused improperly.

Is Polypropylene Safe as a Food-Grade Plastic?

Polypropylene (PP) is a highly durable and chemical-resistant plastic used in a variety of applications, including bale wraps, pallet sheets, and reinforcements. Its high heat resistance makes it particularly safe for food storage.

Food-safe polypropylene containers include medication bottles, dairy product containers, and food storage boxes. The material’s excellent thermal stability ensures that it does not release harmful substances, even when exposed to heat. This makes PP plastics safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers, providing a reliable option for everyday food storage.

Is Polycarbonate Food Safe & FDA Compliant?

Food-grade polycarbonate (PC) is a highly durable plastic that offers significantly more impact resistance than glass. Its excellent heat resistance allows it to meet FDA standards for food storage, making it a safe choice for various applications.

Polycarbonate is commonly used for:

• Water-cooler bottles

• Baby bottles

• Reusable water containers

PC’s strength is such that it’s also used in bulletproof plastic, highlighting its durability. Bioplastics, which fall under recycling category 7, are generally non-reactive and can be used safely for food storage. While some studies show trace amounts of BPA in polycarbonate resin, testing confirms that these levels are too low to accumulate in the body, making it safe for everyday use.

Is Acrylic Food Safe?

Acrylic is a strong and durable material often used as an alternative to glass containers. FDA-approved acrylic containers are safe for food contact. However, they should not be microwaved or exposed to high heat, as acrylic lacks high heat resistance and can warp or degrade under such conditions.

Is Nylon Food Safe?

Nylon is a widely used thermoplastic that is considered food-safe. Its versatile properties allow it to replace materials like steel, brass, wood, and rubber in various applications. FDA compliance ensures that nylon does not leach harmful chemicals into food during cooking.

Common nylon products include cooking utensils such as spatulas, whisks, and tongs, which benefit from its high heat and abrasion resistance. Nylon does not contain BPA and is classified as resin code 7, making it a safe option for food-related use.