Kitchen Plastics Guide: How to Identify Safe Food Storage Products (2024)

FAQs

How do you know if plastic is food safe? ›

You should see the classic recycling symbol with a number inside of it. Generally, food grade plastics will be labeled with either 1, 2, 4, or 5. These refer to polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP), respectively.

These are the food-safe plastic containers that the FDA has deemed appropriate for safe food storage: High-density polyethylene (HDPE plastic) Low-density polyethylene (LDPE plastic) Polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE)

When you do use plastics, look for these resin codes which are considered safer: #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, and #5 PP. Examples of #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) include: bottled milk, water and juice, yogurt cups, and some plastic bags.

The international symbol for "food safe" material is a wine glass and a fork symbol. The symbol indicates that the material used in the product is considered safe for food contact.

On the bottom of plastic food storage containers, you'll find a tiny triangle with a number (resin identification code) ranging from 1 to 7. This number indicates what the plastic is made of. In general, the safest choices for food use are numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, non-food grade plastic containers may contaminate food. Plastic food containers must follow specific regulations to make sure they are safe for food. Use single-use containers once. Plastics designed for single use should be used only once.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

While many plastics are only FDA compliant and food safe in their virgin (or unrecycled) state, recycled PET is an FDA approved plastic for food contact. It also repels microorganisms and doesn't corrode, making it an overall ideal material for food and beverage contact and storage.

The simple answer to this question is YES; they are safe for food storage because they are made from virgin LDPE material. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is one of the most inexpensive and versatile plastics.

To make a long story short: plastic recycling numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest. Whereas plastic numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 must be avoided. But it does not indicate that you can fearlessly use safer plastic. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged.

Plastic Number 1 – PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Polyethylene terephthalate can be abbreviated as PET or PETE. PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer foodservice products. PET plastics are meant for single use. Plastic number 1 has a low risk of leaching and is considered safe.

What is the identification code for plastic? ›

The Resin Identification Codes 1 to 6 mean that the plastic packaging is made from one of six specific types of plastic: 1 means polyethylene terephthalate (such as PET plastic bottles), 2 means high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 3 means polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 4 means low-density polyethylene (LDPE), 5 means ...

Polystyrene, black plastics, #3 PVC and #7 PC plastics are the most toxic and hardest to recycle, and as a mission-based recycler, Eco-Cycle supports shifting products to be made from more recyclable, less toxic plastics including #1 PET, #2 HDPE, and #5 PP.

PP — Polypropylene is noted as the number 5 on the triangle code. This plastic is tough and may be stiff or flexible. Yogurt containers, margarine tubs and medicine bottles are examples of food grade containers made from this plastic.

Freezer Safe

If you don't see the snowflake symbol, avoid putting your new containers in the freezer. Extreme temperatures can deteriorate plastic, and if containers aren't food safe, this can cause chemicals to spread to food when the containers are taken out of the freezer.

Safety of PP 5 Plastic: PP plastic is widely used in food packaging and containers due to its durability, heat resistance, and inert properties. It is considered one of the safer types of plastic for food contact, as it does not leach harmful chemicals into food under normal use conditions.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

The vast majority of single serving drinking bottles are made from PET. Specially-treated PET containers are microwaveable and used in take-out containers and single-serving food trays. The FDA has approved both virgin and post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET for food contact.

Plastic containers can potentially leach chemicals into our foods, depending on the type of plastic and the conditions under which it is used. Some plastics contain chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food and beverages under certain conditions.

The best way to determine if your bucket is food grade is to purchase a bucket that is specifically designated as a food grade bucket, or check for a food grade plastic symbol on the bottom—this symbol looks like a cup and fork, indicating that it is safe to store food in.

Polypropylene, recycling number 5, is an FDA-approved food contact plastic that's generally used for single-serve items like yogurt cups, cream cheese containers, and syrup packets. Because of its high melting point, it can withstand the extreme temperatures of the microwave and dishwasher.