According To Food Scientists, It Might Be Time To Double-Check That Stack Of Plastic Food Containers In Your Pantry

"When trying to evaluate a plastic food storage container for durability and safety, you should first turn the container over and check out the recycling code. Inside a triangular symbol, you'll find a number from 1 to 7. According to Michael Tunick, a research chemist in Drexel University's Food and Hospitality Management Department, the numbers you want to see are 2, 4 or 5."

"A 2 represents "HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, found in [items like] cooking oil bottles and milk jugs. It's hard to break down and considered [food] safe," Tunick said. He noted that a 4 stands for "LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, found in [items like] squeeze bottles and bread bags, considered safe and reusable." A 5 is for "PP, or polypropylene, found in potato chip bags and yogurt containers, and safe to reuse," he said."

Plastic food storage container longevity and safety depend on plastic type and recycling code. Consumers should inspect the triangular recycling symbol to find a number from 1 to 7 and prefer numbers 2, 4, or 5. HDPE (2), LDPE (4), and PP (5) are described as food-safe, reusable, and durable enough for repeated washing. Other plastics may leach chemical components and microplastics into food, with some additives acting as endocrine disruptors. Choosing containers labeled 2, 4, or 5 reduces the risk of contamination and ensures better durability for fridge and freezer storage.

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