Not All Plastics Are Safe for Your Food—Here’s How to Spot the Dangerous Ones

Plastic is one of the most common materials used to store food around the world. However, studies have shown that some plastics can contain harmful chemicals like BPA, which can cause health problems. This has raised concerns about which types of plastics are safe for daily use in storing food.

Every plastic container has a food-grade rating, usually marked with numbers from 1 to 7 at the bottom. These numbers tell how safe the container is for storing food. Plastics with grades 2, 4, and 5 are considered the safest for food storage. Choosing the right grade helps prevent harmful toxins from entering food.

What Does “Food Grade” Mean?

Food-grade plastic must meet certain safety rules. It should not have any harmful dyes, chemicals, or additives. While food-safe plastics can include recycled materials, they must follow proper guidelines to make sure they are safe for use. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides which materials are safe for contact with food.

Common Food-Safe Plastics

Some plastics are widely accepted as safe for storing food. These include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), food-grade polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, and nylon.

HDPE is chemical resistant and does not harm the user. It can also resist mold, mildew, and corrosion, making it a safe choice. LDPE is flexible yet strong, with good chemical resistance, which prevents toxins from mixing with food. PET is often used for single-use beverage bottles and condiment bottles. It is safe for one-time use but should not be reused, as it may release harmful substances when exposed to heat or sunlight.

Safety of Polyethylene and Polypropylene

Polyethylene is generally safe and non-toxic, but it should not be left in hot or sunny places, as UV rays can break it down. Polypropylene is strong, durable, and resistant to chemicals. It can handle high heat, making it safe for microwaves and dishwashers. It is often used for dairy containers, food storage boxes, and medicine bottles.

Polycarbonate, Acrylic, and Nylon

Polycarbonate is strong, heat-resistant, and approved for food storage. It is commonly used in reusable water bottles, baby bottles, and water-cooler bottles. Acrylic is also safe for food contact and is often used instead of glass, but it should not be heated as it cannot handle high temperatures. Nylon is a durable plastic used in cooking utensils like spatulas and tongs. It does not contain BPA and can resist high heat during cooking.

Which Plastic Bottles Are Safe?

Food-safe plastic bottles usually have the code numbers 2, 4, and 5. Number 1 is safe for single use only. Bottles marked with numbers 3 and 7 should be avoided for storing food, especially when heated, as they can release harmful chemicals.

Is Plastic Crockery Safe for Daily Use?

Plastic crockery made from food-safe materials can be used daily. However, it is important to avoid heating or reusing certain plastics that are not heat resistant. Using the correct food-grade plastics helps keep food safe and reduces the risk of harmful chemical exposure.