Which Plastics Are Safe to Use as Containers to Grow Food? | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

Which Plastics Are Safe to Use as Containers to Grow Food? | Livestrong.com? ›

Type 2 - High-Density Polyethylene

Plastic Type 5 – PP

Plastic marked with a 5 is made of Polypropylene​. This is commonly used in products that require injection molding, like straws, bottle caps, or food containers. While it's not as universally tolerant to heat as HDPE or LDPE, it generally is safe for use with food and the garden.

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 most common plastics used in food packaging include:

Polyethylene terephthalate #1. Polyvinyl chloride #3. Polypropylene #5. Polystyrene #6.

In general, the safest choices for food use are numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding plastic containers with codes 3, 6 and 7. Plastic number 3 contains vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 6 has polystyrene and 7 can contain various plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA).

Even for containers labeled “safe” for the microwave and dishwasher, experts caution that heat and plastic don't mix well. Since heat helps to break the chemical bonds in plastic, it's possible that exposure to high temperatures increases the rate of chemical migration from the container into the food.

Answer: Yes, you can certainly grow vegetables in those containers! See the following tips to learn more about growing a vegetable garden in plastic containers.

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.

Polypropylene (PP) plastic is a type of plastic that is FDA approved for food contact. It is considered safe for human health when used correctly. PP is used to make various types of food packaging, including food containers, food bags, food trays, and food wraps.

Yes. With many plastic containers you have to be careful as they can leech harmful chemicals in to your food (also while in the fridge) but any Tritan based storage container is safe. That's what Rubbermaid uses.

What is the safest storage container for food? ›

If chemicals in plastic are a concern, we recommend choosing glass, silicone or stainless steel instead. We also recommend transferring food out of the plastic container and into a microwave- or oven-safe dish before heating.

containers manufactured especially to hold food, like Ziploc bags or Tupperware containers. Do not use non-food grade containers like plastic or paper shopping bags or plastic trash bags to store food. Chemicals or dyes from these bags can leach into the food and contaminate it.

Most Tupperware products are made of LDPE or PP, and as such are considered safe for repeated use storing food items and cycling through the dishwasher.

Avoid containers that might contain toxic substances, e.g., treated wood or plastic buckets that may have stored chemicals. Satisfactory containers include plastic or fiber nursery pots; wooden bushel baskets; plastic, metal or wooden buckets; milk cartons - even plastic bags and recycled cardboard boxes.

All plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food when they're heated. Before reheating food in a microwave, transfer it from a plastic container to a plate or glass dish. Don't put plastics in the dishwasher, which uses hot water and steam, wash them by hand with lukewarm water instead.

A food grade container is one that will not transfer non-food chemicals into the food. 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.