Which Plastics Are Safe for Food Storage?

Each type of plastic has different chemicals and textures that can leach into your food. There are three safer types of plastic for food storage, but all plastics pose some risk. Glass is the safest material for food storage.

Identification

All plastic has a number on it, usually in a small triangle and somewhere discreet, to identify which kind of plastic it is.

Types

Plastic #2, also known as HDPE, is composed of high-density polyethylene and is safer for repeated use.

Types

You can also store food multiple times in plastic #4, known as low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

Types

Polypropylene (PP), or plastic #5, is another option for longer-term food storage or repeated use.

Warning

Plastic #7, or polycarbonate plastic, is most often used in soda and water bottles. Polycarbonate plastic can leach Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that disrupts human hormone production, into food and liquid. Never reuse soda or water bottles.

References

• The Good Human