Did you know that plastic containers are not created equally, and that some containers are not suitable or safe for storing, reheating, eating or drinking? In fact, some plastics can release toxic chemicals into our food and water, and this is something that you want to avoid, particularly when it comes to protecting the quality of our long-term emergency supplies. Let’s take a look at how plastics are rated and what you can do to ensure that your containers are not putting you or your supplies at risk.
Higher Standards
Plastics that are used to hold foods and drinks are required to meet a higher standard of purity than plastics for other purposes. These standards influence everything from how they react to extreme temperatures or sunlight, how they interact with water or various compounds in foods to what dyes are used to color the containers. In the United States, the FDA has established a numerical system that tells us what containers are safe for foods and beverages. Here is a breakdown of what these numbers represent.
Number 1
Plastics with the number 1 stamped on them are designed to hold beverages that include sodas, juices and water. However, these are disposable plastics that are not intended for reuse. Avoid sanitizing and refilling these bottles for future consumption, but you can use them to to store non-food or drink items.
Number 2
Plastics labeled number 2 are intended for food storage. They are usually thick, high-grade plastics that are colored in order to prevent UV rays from penetrating the material and degrading the items inside. A lot of reusable water bottles and food storage containers fall in this category. However, it’s important to remember that other plastics that are thick and colored may not provide the same level of protection, so make sure that you check for this number before using them to protect your emergency supplies.
Number 3
Number 3, or soft PVC plastics are one of the most widely-used in the world, and they are found in everything from toys to health and beauty bottles, containers for household cleaners, shower curtains, wire insulation and even blood bags. They are safe for storing certain foods such as peanut butter and take out items, but they are not safe for reuse or long-term storage once they’ve been opened. Keep in mind that this type of plastic is considered to be one of the most toxic in the world, and you want to avoid using them to store your food or beverages at all costs unless you are stocking up on items that are in their original packaging.
Number 4
Plastics with the number 4 include items such as grocery, bread and food storage bags as well as microwave-safe food containers. Many disposable paper beverage cups are also coated with this type of plastic to prevent leaking and to provide insulation. Many of these items are safe for reuse, but they may not be ideal for long-term storage.
Number 5
These are plastics that are highly-resistant to heat, grease, chemicals and petroleum products, and they are considered to be mostly non-toxic. Many food products that we find in stores are packaged in containers made from this type of plastic. There are mixed opinions as to whether or not these are good plastics for food storage, but as a general rule of thumb, if they’re safe enough to hold the original products, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about if you use them to store other foods for the short-term as well.
Number 6
This plastic is the building block for styrofoam and disposable containers such as egg cartons as well as disposable cups, bowls, plates and silverware. The operative word here is disposable, and you should never re-use these items for anything that will end up in our mouths and bellies later on.
Number 7
These plastics are used for things like reusable water bottles, long-term storage containers and a wide-range of products that are designed to be durable and stand the test of time. This is the type of plastic that you want to be storing your emergency food and medical supplies in, and they can be reused time and time again. However, these plastics are not meant to hold oily or acidic foods or caustic and abrasive chemicals.
Hopefully this information will help you to choose the best plastics for holding and storing specific items. Remember to check containers for the numerical stamp, and make sure that you are using them according to their design. This is the best way to minimize exposure to toxins while maximizing freshness and shelf life over the course of time.
