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Types of Safe and Unsafe Plastic Food Containers

Plastic containers contain many chemicals, some of which have been identified as potentially harmful. Generally, you should avoid two chemicals in particular: bisphenol A and phthalates. Because both of these chemicals interfere with animal and human hormones.

Researchers have better identified the harmful effects of bisphenol A, while pthalates are generally considered safe by comparison. Still, better safe than sorry. Whether a plastic container has bisphenol A or phthalates in it depends on its type. You can identify the type of plastic in a container by looking at the recycling code number.

Polyethylene Terephthalate - Do Not Reuse

You commonly find polyethylene terephthalate in bottles for juices, salad dressing, water, vegetable oil and mouthwash. Peanut butter and pickle jars often contain this material as well. Polyethylene terephthalate is light-weight, clear and smooth, but its manufacturers intend it for a single use only.

While it does not contain bisphenol A or phthalates, it does contain antimony, a possible human carcinogen. Also, harmful bacteria can build up in it as you reuse it. Polyethylene terephthalate containers may have the symbol "PET" on them.

High-Density Polyethylene - Safe

Milk containers, detergent bottles, freezer bags and plastic grocery bags often contain high-density polyethylene, a relatively stiff plastic. High-density polyethylene plastic neither contains bisphenol A nor phthalates. And the containers made by this material may have the symbol "HDPE" on them.

Polyvinyl Chloride - Contains Phthalates

Polyvinyl chloride contains phthalates that can cause reproductive problems in animals and humans. Polyvinyl chloride plastic can be plasticized or unplasticized, the former is clear and flexible, and the latter is more rigid. Food containers commonly made with polyvinyl chloride include fruit juice bottles, cooking oil bottles and clear food packaging. Plasticized PVC pipes and siding contain phthalates as well. Polyvinyl chloride containers may have the symbol "V" on them.

Low-Density Polyethylene - Safe

Frozen foods packaging and condiment squeeze bottles often contain low-density polyethylene because it is flexible and resistant to solvents. This plastic does not contain any known harmful chemicals. Low-density polyethylene containers may have the symbol "LDPE" on them.

Polypropylene - Safe

Polypropylene containers do not leach harmful chemicals into foods or liquids. They commonly contain yogurt, medicine, drinks, ketchup and medicines. Polypropylene is flexible, hard and semi-transparent and has high resistance to solvents. Polypropylene containers may have the symbol "PP" on them.

Polycarbonate

Generally, you should avoid polycarbonate plastic containers because they may contain bisphenol A that leaches into their contents. Polycarbonate plastic containers often have the symbol "PC" or "Other" on them. You will find polycarbonate plastics in 3- and 5-gallon water-cooler bottles, hard and reusable water bottles, and to-go coffee mugs. Manufacturers use polycarbonate for these purposes because it is virtually shatter-proof.