Code on plastic containers for food: which one is safe?

You have to be careful in choosing the plastic containers that you will buy or use, because not all plastic containers are good for storing food. Some of them, can even make your food or drink contaminated with chemicals contained in them. Then how to find the right and healthy container for storing food or drinks?

Various codes on plastic containers for food and beverages

When you buy plastic containers for food or drinks, make sure that they fall into the category food grade. Labeled containers food grade interpreted as a safe container to be used as a place to store food or drinks. Each plastic container has its own code and this code can help you determine whether the container is good or a risk to your health.

The code consists of the numbers 1-7 and is usually found at the bottom of the plastic container. The following are the codes on the food container:

Code 1

The type of plastic that makes up this container is called polyethylene terephlalat (PET). Containers with code 1 have properties such as, clear, strong, gas and water resistant, but they cannot withstand heat when the temperature reaches 80 degrees Celsius. You can find this code on bottled bottles, beverage cans, bottles of soy sauce or chili sauce.

Code 2

Made of a type of plastic high density polyethylene (HDPE) and is usually used for bottles of liquid milk or juice, and plastic caps on food packaging. This type of container will soften at a temperature of 75 degrees Celsius.

Code 3

This container consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) type plastic which has strong, hard, and cannot stand being heated at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius. The use of this type of container is usually for vegetable oil, soy sauce, beverage packaging, and some food wrappers.

Code 4

Container code 4 consists of low density polyethylene which is usually used for yogurt containers and fresh food bags.

Code 5

Container code 5 is made of a tough but flexible type of polypropylene. In addition, it is resistant to the heat of food, hot oil, and can survive when heated to a temperature of 140 degrees Celsius. Usually baby bottles are made of this type of plastic and are classified as safe.

Code 6

Sterofoam is an example of a food container that has code 6. This container is made of polystyrene and cannot withstand hot temperatures. In addition to sterofoam, ready-to-eat food containers, disposable glasses also usually have this code.

Code 7

Containers with code 7 are made of various other types of plastic that have not been mentioned or a mixture of these types.

Then, which plastic container is best to use?

You should avoid using containers labeled 3, 6, and 7. While containers that have codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 are safe containers for use in storing food and drinks.

In addition, in using plastic containers, you must pay attention to several things so that your food is always healthy and awake, such as:

Avoid using containers that have code 7 or are labeled PC (polycarbonate plastic).
As much as possible avoid any product made of plastic that has code 3.
Do not use plastic containers - with any labels or codes - as a place to heat food in the microwave. This is to avoid chemical contamination that might occur when the container is heated.
Even though a plastic container product claims that it can be used as a container when heating food, don't believe it completely. Because contamination can still occur, especially if your food contains a lot of fat.
The use of a plastic container with code 1 can only be used once, because using it more than once can increase the risk of contamination.