We get a lot of questions about plastic, especially when it comes to food and beverage storage. What kinds of plastic are safe? What do those numbers stand for? Can I put plastic in the microwave? What can I use instead of plastic?
Recently I was asked to speak to a group of moms about this topic and I created this guide, so I though I'd share it with you. First are descriptions of the plastic recycling codes and what they mean for you, followed by some general safety tips...
#1: Polyethylene (PET) or (PETE)
- found in: disposable food and beverage containers, soft drinks, water bottles, salad dressing
- verdict: designed ONLY for single and short time use and some concerns about the antimony trioxide which can leach if beverages are in the container for too long - considered a reasonably safe plastic yet not your safest option. (Do not drink from plastic water bottles that have been stored in the trunk of your car all summer!)
#2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- found in: opaque food and beverage containers such as milk, juice or yogurt
- verdict: considered a safer plastic than #1,3,6,7
#3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- found in: soft plastic toys, squeeze bottles, shower curtains
- verdict: PVC is considered the MOST dangerous plastic - AVOID
#4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
- found in: plastic wraps, squeeze bottles, food packaging
- verdict: considered a safer plastic than #1,3,6,7
#5: Polypropylene (PP)
- found in: opaque plastic food storage containers, baby bottles, sippy cups, straws, sports tops on water bottles
- verdict: considered a safer plastic than #1,3,6,7
#6: Polystyrene (PS)
- found in: Styrofoam containers, take-out food containers, disposable cups, bowls and utensils
- verdict: Leaches Styrene, which is an endocrine disruptor - AVOID
#7: Other – Can be Polycarbonate (PC) or Bio Based Plastics or (AS) (ABS) (SAN) or Tritan
- Found in: Polycarbonate can be found in clear plastic baby bottles, sippy cups and water bottles; 5 gallon water containers
- Verdict: Polycarbonate leaches Bisphenol A (BPA), a dangerous plastic linked to endocrine disruption and serious health conditions. – AVOID 7 plastics unless you know them to not be made from Polycarbonate. Tritan is a new plastic and in our opinion has not undergone enough safety testing to take a stance on.
Safety Tips:
When using plastics in the kitchen (even the safer plastics) follow these guidelines:
- Use these safer materials instead of plastic: glass, stainless steel, silicone, bamboo or wood (coated with a food-safe, non-toxic finish), ceramic (with lead free glaze)
- If you do use plastic, safer options are considered #2, #4, or #5. (possible #7 if you know it is a bio based plastic) and follow suggestions below...
- Heat can cause plastic to degrade, which can cause chemicals to leach from the plastic into your food.
- Do not put plastic containers in the microwave. “Microwave Safe” only means that the item will not melt or crack.
- Preferably wash plastic items by hand instead of the dishwasher. High heat and harsh detergents can cause the plastic to wear down more quickly.
- Do not use scratched, cloudy or badly worn plastics with food or beverage.
- Do not store oily, greasy or acidic foods in plastic containers - Opt for glass instead.