Preparing food is one thing, but storing them is an entirely different story. The need to properly store food rises as we visit our kitchen more. We don’t want to waste food, and we also want to make sure our food is stored well. Cheap plastic containers might be tempting, but is polyethylene safe for food storage? What plastics are safe for storing food? Read on, and check our quick guide below.
A Quick Guide – Plastics Safe For Food
Do you notice the numbers printed below your plastic containers? These numbers all correspond to a specific type and grade of plastic. We will go through each number to answer “Is polyethylene safe for food storage?” What plastics are safe for food storage?
HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene
- marked number 1 on the bottom
- frequently-used plastic in households
- the plastic used for cereal box liners, butter containers, milk, and laundry detergents
- safe for food and drinks
- ideally for single use only
- recycled into plastic lumber, ropes, and toys
PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate
- marked number 1 on the bottom
- like HDPE, it is widely used and is considered safe for food
- lightweight
- has a clear and smooth texture
- ideally for single use only
- easily recycled into polyester fabric or new bottles
PVC or V – Polyvinyl Chloride
- marked number 3 on the bottom
- unsafe for food
- poses harm to babies and young children
- produces harmful chemicals during manufacturing
- difficult to recycle
- used for shower curtains and vinyl pipes
LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene
- marked number 4 on the bottom
- safe for food
- production of this plastic is harmful to the environment
- produces harmful chemicals during manufacturing
- ideally for single use only
- used for bread or frozen food
PP – polypropylene
- marked number 5 on the bottom
- a popular choice for storing food and liquid
- looks opaque or translucent
- high melting point
- microwave and dishwasher safe
- used for yogurt containers and other dairy products
- difficult to recycle
PS – Polystyrene
- marked number 5 on the bottom
- can produce harmful chemicals in the long run
- difficult to recycle
- used in egg cartons and building insulation
- typically comes in the form of styrofoam
Mixed
- marked by a number 7 on the bottom
- constructed by varieties of plastic
- very difficult to recycle
- the plastic used in sports water bottles and medical storage containers
A Summary Of Safe And Unsafe Plastic For Food Storage
Is PET plastic safe for food? Is polyethylene safe for food storage?
Here are some things to remember about storing food in plastic:
- Avoid heating food when in plastic containers even if they are marked microwave-oven safe.
- Consider using glass containers when you can.
- Use plastic types 1, 2, 4, and 5 for food.
- Avoid using type 3 if you have children.
Conclusion
Plastic is generally hazardous to the environment. That is why people are becoming more aware of plastic use. So what is the verdict? Is polyethylene safe for food storage? Yes, it is. Someday food storage will be safe for both food and the environment, but for now, we can be comfortable with food-grade plastics. Find out more about food storage.