What is the Safest Plastic for Food? A Guide to Identifying Safe Containers

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many plastics are safe for food contact under certain conditions. Learning what is the safest plastic for food storage is crucial for consumer health, as some types can leach harmful chemicals, especially when exposed to heat.

Quick Summary

An overview of food-grade plastics approved for contact with food, focusing on types like polypropylene and high-density polyethylene. The guide also details which plastics to avoid and explains how to use recycling codes to make informed choices for your kitchen and overall health.

Key Points

Identify Safe Plastics by Code: Look for the Resin Identification Codes #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP), which are generally considered the safest food-grade plastics.
Avoid Codes #3 and #6: Plastics with recycling codes #3 (PVC) and #6 (PS) are known to leach harmful chemicals and should be avoided for food storage, especially when heated.
Polypropylene is Microwave-Safe: Plastic marked with recycling code #5 (PP) has a high heat tolerance and is often safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.
Use PET for Single-Use Only: Plastic with code #1 (PET) is safe for single-use applications like bottled drinks but should not be reused, as it can degrade over time.
Heat in Glass or Ceramic: To prevent chemical leaching, always transfer food from a plastic container to a glass or ceramic dish before reheating it in the microwave.
Inspect and Discard Damaged Containers: Scratches and cracks can harbor bacteria and increase leaching. Regularly inspect your plastic containers and replace any that are damaged.
Opt for BPA-Free and Alternatives: For maximum safety, seek out containers labeled 'BPA-Free' and consider glass, stainless steel, or silicone as highly safe alternatives to plastic.

Understanding Food-Grade vs. Food-Safe

Before diving into specific types of plastic, it's important to clarify the distinction between "food-grade" and "food-safe." Food-grade means the plastic meets regulatory standards and is suitable for contact with food, while food-safe indicates the material won't cause harm or contamination under normal usage. All plastics deemed safe for food storage are considered food-grade, but their safety is also determined by how you use them.

The Safest Plastics for Food

Several types of plastic are widely considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA for food storage. You can identify these by checking the Resin Identification Code (RIC), the triangle with a number, usually found on the bottom of the container.

Polypropylene (PP) - Code #5: Considered one of the safest plastics, polypropylene has a high heat tolerance, making it ideal for microwavable containers, yogurt cups, and reusable food storage. It does not contain BPA.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - Code #2: This durable plastic is resistant to chemicals and moisture, making it excellent for long-term food storage. It is commonly used for milk jugs, juice bottles, and reusable food containers and does not contain BPA.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) - Code #4: More flexible and less rigid than HDPE, LDPE is used for items like squeeze bottles, bread bags, and plastic wrap. It is safe for food contact and does not contain BPA.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) - Code #1: A common, transparent plastic used for single-use water and soda bottles, and some condiment jars. While considered safe for single-use applications, experts advise against reusing it repeatedly, as it can degrade and potentially leach chemicals.

Plastics to Approach with Caution or Avoid

Certain plastics carry higher risks, especially when exposed to heat or wear and tear.

Polycarbonate (PC) - Code #7 ('Other'): This group includes polycarbonate, which historically contained BPA. While many new products are now BPA-free, the category is a catch-all, and many Code #7 plastics should be avoided unless explicitly labeled BPA-free. Heating polycarbonate can increase chemical leaching.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - Code #3: Known as the "poison plastic," PVC can leach harmful chemicals, including phthalates and vinyl chloride. It is not recommended for food contact.
Polystyrene (PS) - Code #6: Found in styrofoam cups and takeout containers, polystyrene can leach styrene, especially when heated. It is best to avoid using it for food storage or heating.

Comparison of Common Food-Safe Plastics


Plastic Type (Code)	Key Benefits	Common Uses	Heat Resistance	Reuse Recommendation
Polypropylene (PP) #5	BPA-free, high heat tolerance, durable, flexible	Reusable food containers, yogurt cups, butter tubs	Excellent (Microwave/Dishwasher Safe)	High (Reusable)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) #2	BPA-free, durable, moisture-resistant, tough	Milk jugs, food storage boxes, freezer bags	Good	High (Reusable)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) #4	Flexible, chemical-resistant, soft	Squeeze bottles, bread bags, plastic wrap	Low	High (Reusable)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) #1	Lightweight, clear, impact-resistant	Single-use water/soda bottles, condiment jars	Low	Low (Single-Use)

Best Practices for Safe Plastic Use

Choosing the right plastic is only part of the equation. How you use and care for your containers is just as important for minimizing health risks.

Avoid Reheating in Plastic

Even food-safe plastics can pose a risk when heated, as high temperatures can cause the material to break down and potentially leach chemicals into your food. For reheating, it is always safest to transfer food to a glass or ceramic container.

Inspect Your Containers Regularly

Scratches, discoloration, and cracks in plastic containers can harbor bacteria and increase the likelihood of chemical leaching. Regularly inspect your reusable plastics and discard any that show signs of damage.

Prioritize BPA-Free Labeling

While recycling codes are a good guide, the safest option is to look for explicit "BPA-Free" labels. However, be aware that some BPA-free plastics use substitutes like BPS and BPF, which some studies suggest may have similar hormone-disrupting effects, though this is still being researched.

Consider Alternatives to Plastic

For those who wish to minimize plastic exposure, excellent alternatives are available. Glass containers are non-porous, dishwasher and microwave safe, and do not leach chemicals. Stainless steel is another durable and safe option for food storage. Additionally, silicone is a non-toxic, heat-resistant, and flexible alternative for various food storage needs. For further reading on kitchen safety, see this comprehensive guide from the FruitGuys on identifying safe food storage products.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Determining what is the safest plastic for food involves a combination of understanding recycling codes, recognizing the heat resistance of different materials, and practicing safe handling. For ultimate peace of mind, prioritize using materials like polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for long-term or heated storage, and be cautious with single-use plastics like PET. By taking these simple steps and considering safe alternatives like glass and silicone, you can significantly reduce your family's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and ensure healthier food storage practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The safest plastic recycling codes for food are #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP). These are generally considered food-grade and resistant to chemical leaching under normal use.

You should only microwave food in containers specifically labeled 'microwave-safe.' This often refers to polypropylene (PP), identified by recycling code #5. However, to minimize all risks of chemical leaching, transferring food to a glass or ceramic container is the safest option.

'BPA-Free' means the product was not made with Bisphenol-A, a chemical known to disrupt hormones. While a good indicator of safety, some BPA-free alternatives may contain similar chemicals, so it is wise to be cautious, especially with high-heat use.

No, it is not recommended to reuse single-use plastics like PET (#1) bottles. These can degrade over time and potentially leach chemicals into their contents, especially with repeated use or exposure to heat.

Glass is generally considered a safer and more durable option for food storage. It is non-porous, dishwasher and microwave safe, and does not leach chemicals into food. Plastic is lighter and cheaper but may pose risks if damaged or heated improperly.

To identify food-safe plastics, look for the cup and fork symbol or check the recycling code on the bottom of the container. Codes #2, #4, and #5 are generally safe for food, and many are labeled 'food-grade' or 'BPA-Free'.

Heat can cause the chemical bonds in some plastics to break down, accelerating the release of potentially harmful chemicals into your food. This is why avoiding the microwave for any plastic container not specifically designed for it is critical.