Which Plastic Is the Most Food Safe?

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several types of plastic are compliant for food contact, but not all are created equal. The question of which plastic is the most food safe depends on the application, as factors like heat resistance and repeated use can affect a plastic's integrity.

Quick Summary

Several types of plastic are FDA-approved for food contact, including polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). PP is exceptionally heat-resistant and ideal for microwaving, while HDPE is durable for long-term storage. Consumers should avoid PVC (#3) and polystyrene (#6) and always check resin codes for safety.

Key Points

Polypropylene (#5): Considered the most food-safe plastic for repeated use and microwaving due to its high heat resistance and stability.
High-Density Polyethylene (#2): A very safe and durable plastic for general food storage, resistant to chemicals and ideal for milk jugs and cold storage.
Low-Density Polyethylene (#4): Safe for cold food storage, like plastic wraps and bags, but has lower heat resistance.
Single-Use vs. Reusable: PET (#1) is safe for one-time use but should not be reused, especially when exposed to heat, while PP (#5) and HDPE (#2) are suitable for repeated use.
Plastics to Avoid: PVC (#3), Polystyrene (#6), and Polycarbonate (#7) should be avoided for food storage due to the risk of leaching harmful chemicals.
BPA-Free is Not Always Enough: Some BPA-free plastics use substitutes like BPS or BPF that may have similar health concerns, so non-plastic alternatives like glass or stainless steel are often recommended.
Check for Symbols: Always look for the recycling code, a cup and fork icon, or "FDA compliant" labels to confirm a container's safety.

Understanding Food-Safe Plastics

Not all plastics are suitable for storing food, and even "food-grade" plastic must be used as intended to be considered "food-safe". The key is identifying plastics that are stable, non-reactive, and free of harmful chemicals. The FDA regulates these materials to ensure they don't contaminate food. To make informed choices, familiarize yourself with the resin identification codes found on the bottom of plastic containers.

Polypropylene (PP) — Recycling Code #5

Often considered one of the safest and most versatile food-safe plastics, polypropylene is known for its high heat resistance and durability. This makes it an excellent choice for microwave-safe containers, yogurt cups, and other reusable food storage. PP does not contain BPA or other harmful additives and resists chemical reactions with food.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) — Recycling Code #2

HDPE is a robust, lightweight plastic frequently used for milk jugs, juice bottles, and household storage containers. It offers excellent chemical resistance and durability, making it ideal for long-term food storage at various temperatures, including freezing. HDPE is opaque and does not typically leach harmful substances.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) — Recycling Code #4

More flexible and less rigid than HDPE, LDPE is used for items like plastic wraps, bread bags, and squeeze bottles. It is considered food-safe for cold applications but has a lower heat resistance than PP. LDPE does not leach toxins and provides a good moisture barrier.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) — Recycling Code #1

Commonly used for single-use water and soda bottles, PET is lightweight, transparent, and recyclable. It is safe for single-use applications with cold food and drinks. However, experts advise against reusing PET bottles, as repeated use can cause them to break down and leach chemicals, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight.

Plastics to Avoid

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) — Recycling Code #3: Often called the "poison plastic," PVC can leach harmful chemicals like phthalates, especially when heated. It should be avoided for food contact.
PS (Polystyrene) — Recycling Code #6: Used for Styrofoam cups and disposable takeout containers, PS can release styrene, a possible carcinogen, when heated.
Other (Polycarbonate) — Recycling Code #7: This category includes polycarbonate, which historically contained BPA. While many new products are BPA-free, this category is generally best to avoid for food storage unless explicitly labeled as safe. Even BPA-free alternatives (like BPS and BPF) can have similar health risks.

Comparison of Common Food-Safe Plastics


Plastic Type	Recycling Code	Ideal Use Case	Heat Resistance	Notes
Polypropylene (PP)	#5	Reusable containers, microwaveable trays	High	Considered among the safest for repeated use and reheating.
HDPE	#2	Milk jugs, long-term storage	High (but less than PP)	Durable, impact-resistant, and good for refrigeration.
LDPE	#4	Food wraps, flexible bags	Low	Flexible and safe for cold storage; not for high heat.
PET (PETE)	#1	Single-use bottles	Low	Best for one-time use with cold food; avoid reusing.
PVC	#3	Avoid for food	N/A	Contains harmful chemicals like phthalates.
PS (Polystyrene)	#6	Avoid for hot food	N/A	Can leach styrene, especially when heated.
Other (Polycarbonate)	#7	Avoid for food	Varies	May contain BPA or similar harmful substitutes.

Safe Handling Practices

Choosing the right plastic is only part of the equation. To ensure food safety, follow these best practices:

Never microwave plastic containers unless they are explicitly labeled as "microwave-safe." Look for the PP (#5) resin code for best results.
Don't reuse single-use plastics. PET (#1) bottles are designed for one-time use and should not be refilled, as bacteria can harbor in scratches.
Replace scratched or worn-out plastic containers. Chemicals are more likely to leach from degraded plastic.
Store acidic or fatty foods in safer plastics. PP is a good choice for these foods, as it is resistant to acids and grease.
Always read the label. Look for symbols like a cup and fork icon or phrases like "FDA compliant" to confirm a product's suitability for food contact.

Conclusion

While glass and stainless steel are widely regarded as the safest materials for food storage, polypropylene (PP) with a #5 recycling code is often considered the most food-safe plastic for versatile, repeated use, especially when reheating food. Its high heat resistance and chemical stability make it a reliable choice for reusable containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), marked with a #2, is also a very safe option, especially for long-term cold storage. Always look for BPA-free labeling and avoid plastics with recycling codes #3, #6, and #7 unless you can verify their safety for food contact. By being an informed consumer and following proper usage guidelines, you can significantly reduce potential health risks associated with plastic food storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Polypropylene (PP), marked with the recycling code #5, is the safest plastic for microwaving food. It has a high melting point and resists releasing chemicals when heated, but always ensure the container is labeled 'microwave-safe'.

You should avoid plastics with recycling codes #3 (PVC) and #6 (Polystyrene) for food storage, as they can leach harmful chemicals into food. Additionally, be cautious with category #7 (Other), which may contain BPA or similar compounds.

BPA-free is a positive step, but it is not a guarantee of safety. Some manufacturers replace BPA with similar chemicals like BPS or BPF, which can also be harmful. For maximum safety, consider non-plastic alternatives or use plastics that do not require bisphenols, such as PP or HDPE.

No, it is not recommended to reuse single-use PET (#1) bottles. These plastics are designed for one-time use and can break down over time, potentially releasing chemicals into the water. Scratches can also harbor bacteria.

The recycling code, a number inside a triangle, identifies the type of plastic resin. For food safety, the most important codes to recognize are #1 (PET, single-use), #2 (HDPE, durable), #4 (LDPE, flexible), and #5 (PP, heat-resistant).

Look for a cup and fork symbol, a universal sign for food-safe plastics. You can also check for an "FDA compliant" label and, if concerned about reheating, a "microwave-safe" indicator.

Glass, stainless steel, and silicone are excellent, non-toxic alternatives to plastic for food storage. These materials are durable, chemical-free, and often microwave and dishwasher-safe.