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Dangers of Plastic Food Containers

Plastic food containers are lightweight, durable, often transparent and cheap. Although the Food and Drug Administration assures us that it carefully approves only materials that are "safe for their intended use," there are serious concerns among consumers about using some approved plastics in your kitchen.

  1. Food Grade Only

    • Not all plastics are meant for storing food. You should only use containers specifically marketed for use with food, as others may contain unsafe chemical ingredients.

    Specific Chemicals

    • Even when buying food-grade plastics, caution is advised. Most plastics meant for food storage have a triangle with a number in it on the bottom. This is a code for recycling the different plastics. Each plastic is represented by a number, and some numbers are safer than others for food storage.

      Bisphenol A, or BPA, is used in many plastics. The chemical mimics the hormone estrogen and has been linked to many health problems, including cancer and birth defects. Water bottles and baby bottles may have BPA in them. Polycarbonate, plastic #7, contains BPA unless marked BPA-free.

      Soda and water bottles are often #1, which is PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Its safety is still being debated, and you should probably not reuse these bottles.
      Vegetable oil bottles and plastic wrap (especially from your deli) are likely #3, which is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). You should avoid this plastic altogether, as it contains phthalates. Phthalates may cause reproductive and development problems.

    Reusing

    • Some plastics are fine for reusing. #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), used for milk jugs, is not thought to leach any chemicals into food. #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), used in some plastic wraps and sandwich bags, is likewise considered safe. #5 PP (polypropylene), which yogurt tubs are made of, is safe for reuse.

    Washing

    • Sometimes even if a plastic is safe, the container should not be reused because of the difficulty of cleaning it thoroughly. Avoid reusing textured or narrow-necked containers, in which bacteria may build up.

    Heating

    • Heating leftovers in the microwave in plastic containers, or letting water bottles heat up in the sun, can cause the chemicals in them to leach into your food and drink. Even if a container proclaims itself "microwave safe," this only means it won't melt or fall apart, not that it won't leach bad things into your lunch.

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