Plastic food containers are perfect for storing leftovers and preparing meals, but how long can you use them before they become unsafe? Let’s break down what you need to know to keep your plastic containers safe and effective.
How long can you use a plastic container?
According to Janilyn Hutchings, a certified food safety professional with State Food Safety, there is no official estimate from a manufacturer for how long these plastic food containers will last. The same goes for how often they can be used before they need to be replaced. A better indicator is to keep an eye on the condition of the container.
“Scratches and burn marks create places where pathogens can hide while the container is being washed,” she said. “In other words, if your container is scratched or otherwise damaged, it will be harder to get completely clean and it’s better to throw it away. You should also watch for unusual odors and stains that won’t wash out no matter how hard you scrub. Throw away any stained or smelly food containers.”
Do plastic food containers contain PFAs?
Plastic food containers can be a source of microplastics and PFAs (also known as “forever chemicals”). “Current research suggests that exposure to certain PFAs can be harmful to our bodies, but it’s unclear how many PFAs are needed to have an effect,” Hutchings said.
According to a 2023 Study of Environmental Science and TechnologyMicroplastics are most likely to be released from polypropylene plastic containers when they are heated in the microwave. Hutchings says it’s important to identify these types of containers by looking for the triangular recycling symbol on the bottom.
How to clean a plastic container
The cleaning method you choose can affect the lifespan of your plastic containers. While dishwashers are convenient, they can also contribute to the wear and tear of plastic over time.
“The beauty of using a dishwasher is that its high temperature acts as a disinfectant, so the containers are cleaned and disinfected,” Hutchings said. “Unfortunately, the high temperature can also shorten the useful life of the containers. To make them last longer, you can hand wash them, but you must use an alternative method of disinfection. Cleaning and disinfecting go hand in hand, and one without the other is not effective in reducing pathogens to safe levels.”
Here’s how to safely handwash plastic food containers:
- Scrape any remaining food particles into the trash.
- Wash the container with soap and water.
- Wipe down the container or spray it with a food-safe disinfectant solution.
- Allow the container to air dry.
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