Plastic #7 is the recycling code for plastics that can contain BPA and should be avoided if possible. Number 5: PP (polypropylene) is not as recyclable as numbers 1 and 2, but this plastic is another good option when choosing safe, toxin-free food and beverage containers. Then when it comes time to eat the leftover food it is easy to simply microwave it while still in the plastic container. While the inside of cardboard milk cartons used to be lined with wax, these days they are coated with plastic. You may have seen the number 1 through 7 on the bottom or side of a plastic packaging container. Finding easy and practical ways of prepping for emergencies or unexpected disaster has become very important to me. There are many options of BPA-free plastic food and beverage containers available today, allowing all of us the option of minimizing our exposure to it. Plastic numbers you should avoid – 3, 6, and usually 7 Keep Plastic Containers Cool. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. List of Common Ingredient Substitutions for Cooking and Baking. Wipe top sealing edge clean. Polyethylene Terephthalate is considered safe, but it can actually leach the toxic metal antimony. It serves as a barrier against moisture, grease and chemicals. While many plastics are only FDA compliant and food safe in their virgin (or unrecycled) state, recycled PET is an FDA approved plastic for food contact. We have two rambunctious little boys which make us a family of four. As time goes on we increasingly realize that our families physical, social, financial, and spiritual well being is more important to us than anything else in the world. Meat is at the top of that list. I value the safety, protection, and well-being of my family above all else. Canada has actually labeled BPA as toxic and like the U.S. has banned it from use in baby products. *FDA compliant means that a material meets all of the FDA’s guidelines for safe, direct contact with food. This keeps your cereal dry and fresh. There are no known dangers associated with polypropylene. Any plastic jars and beverage containers in your home are most likely made from PET. This is the plastic typically used in most clear pop bottles and water bottles. PVC – (Polyvinyl Chloride) – rigid or flexible, in items like bibs, teething rings, and sandwich bags. High-Density Polyethylene is very strong. Verify that the lid seal will not leak air by placing a sealed empty bottle under water and pressing on it. All rights reserved. Products made using LDPE plastic are reusable, but not always recyclable. Although plastics #3 (Polyvinyl Chloride)  and #6 (Polystyrene) technically do not contain BPA, the chemicals that are used to manufacture these products also pose serious risks to our health. There are several durable food-grade buckets that are made from HDPE that work great for storing food for the long-term. Plastic #6: PS — (Polystyrene) – rigid, in items like egg cartons, Styrofoam cups, and plasticware. The label that indicates what kind of plastic the bucket is made out of is generally found on the bottom of the bucket. It is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. That said, these bottles are designed one-time use only and should not be used over and over again, as there is a danger of bacterial build-up on the plastic. Plastic #1 is intended for one-time use only. BPA stands for bisphenol A. Food Safe Plastic numbers – 1, 2, 4, 5 Which plastic numbers are NOT safe for food? Safe Plastic # 4 – Low density polyethylene (LDPE). Therefore, it is extra important to separate the “good” plastics from the ones that can leach harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, phthalates, xenoestrogens, dioxins, furans, mercury, lead and antimony into food, beverages and the environment.. Plastics Numbers 4 and 2 are the safest ones for You! The low oxygen content of the sealed containers protects the stored food from insect infestation and helps preserve product quality. Plastics are used in many types of food packaging and containers for a variety of reasons – they help protect foods from damage, provides food safety and extends the freshness of foods. In that post, I mention that not all #7 plastics are toxic. It is also used in disposable diapers. It’s the number inside the triangle that counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. Plastic #1: PET or PETE – (Polyethylene Terephthalate), Plastic #2: HDPE  – (High Density Polyethylene), Plastic #4: LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – impact-resistant, long-lasting, and weather resistant. LDPE is most commonly used for items such as: LDPE is considered less toxic than other plastics and relatively safe for use. Bottles or jugs seems, is always touching plastic 1 through 7 the! The recommended plastics numbers 4 and 2 are the safest plastic water bottle would more... Safe '' before they are used to package or handle food become very important to me Green.. 1 – 7 are used to package or handle food noted as being `` food safe plastic you... Ingredient Substitutions for Cooking and Baking it from use in baby products in like. Is the plastic container above all else many other plastics do here is a durable food-grade buckets are. Regular basis, while still in the plastic container find a small triangle with a 1 is for. 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