Storing food in plastic packaging has so many benefits. Plastic packaging allows you to store large quantities of food, such as dry seeds and nuts, in lightweight containers for emergency preparedness. Using plastic containers will also allow you to buy cheaper bulk food and store it in an airtight, insect-safe container. However, not all types of plastic are safe to use for storing food; some types of plastic can even contaminate food with harmful compounds. To prevent this, you should find out how to identify food grade plastic packaging before using it.
Step
Step 1. Check the recycling symbol at the bottom of the package
The most trusted and easy way to check for the safety of your food is to check the packaging recycling number code. This number code starts from 1 to 7, and will be printed inside the arrow triangle symbol. As a general rule, the numeric codes that are safe for use with food are the numeric codes 1, 2, 4, and 5.
- The best type of plastic for long-term food storage is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is denoted by the number code "2". HDPE is one of the most stable and inert plastics, and all plastic packaging sold specifically for food storage will be made from this material.
- Other types of plastic that are acceptable for food storage include PETE, LDPE, and polypropylene (PP). These types of plastic, respectively, are denoted by the numeric codes 1, 4, and 5.
- Bio-plastics are an exception to this rule, being classified under the type of plastic coded to the number "7". Bioplastics are plastic-like materials synthesized from plant-based sources, such as corn. These materials are non-reactive and can be used to store food, but keep in mind that not all plastics with the number 7 code are bioplastics.
Step 2. Check the food handling symbols printed on the plastic packaging
A standardized system of symbols is used on plastics to indicate proper use in relation to food. The glass and fork symbol means that the plastic packaging is safe for storing food so that the plastic packaging is categorized as food grade. Other symbols include a glowing wave symbol meaning the package is microwave safe, a snowflake symbol means freezer safe, while a cutlery in water symbol indicates that the container is dishwasher safe.
Step 3. Find out through the label on the plastic packaging
If the plastic packaging still has a price tag, manufacturer's label, or other identification label, you can look at these labels to determine if the plastic packaging is food grade. Food grade packaging will almost always be marked that way because the cost of producing this kind of packaging is often more expensive so it can be sold as a premium product. If the label is missing, you may want to contact the manufacturer and ask the packaging they made to determine if the product you have is food grade.
Step 4. Take advantage of pre-used packaging to store food
If plastic packaging was originally designed to store food, it's likely to be suitable for storing the bulk of food products you've purchased.
- For example, many bakeries accept cream of cake frosting or other ingredients in large plastic containers, often with a capacity of 19 L. These bakeries may be willing to donate or sell you their blanks. After that, you can clean and use the plastic packaging for food storage.
- Smaller plastic containers should be excluded from this rule. For example, mineral water is usually packaged using PETE plastic (with the code number "1"), which is designed to be used only once and then recycled. PETE is originally food safe, but it can decompose and release harmful compounds if used repeatedly.
