The Do’s And Don’ts Of Storing Food In Plastic Dry Storage Containers

In modern households, using plastic containers as a dry storage of foods is more popular. Starting from lunch boxes to kitchen accessories, plastic has replaced all-metal containers.

Do you know, that a minute mistake in choosing the right plastics can result in the origination of severe diseases? So, we must maintain some do’s and don’ts from the start before storing our foods in those containers.

What are the “Do’s” we must follow before using plastic containers to store foods?

A major way to keep our pantry products fresh and safe from bacterial contamination is to use airtight plastic containers. But these containers often have some disadvantages as well.

Thus, we should maintain some guidelines that will help us to keep them safe from the hazards of using them.

1. Choosing food-grade containers:

While storing your foods in a plastic container, you must opt for food-grade containers. Food-grade containers are designed for the purpose of storing foods only. In that case, the containers are made BPA-free.

BPA or Bisphenol A is a type of chemical that is used in lightweight containers. When the containers are heated, the chemical sinks into the food and makes it toxic.

2. Opt for airtight containers:

Airtight containers are designed in such a way that they keep the food fresh by a fixed mechanism. The airtight containers work as a barrier for moisture and external air from entering the container.

As a result, food items never get contaminated with bacterial or fungal infections. These containers also have some locking mechanisms made with silicon seals to maintain a tight closure.

3. Store mainly dry foods:

Plastic containers are ideal for storing dry foods and foods that are non-perishable such as canned foods, chips, and snacks. Storing such items in a plastic container will prevent them from pests, external moisture, and air, and won’t compromise the quality.

4. Maintain hygiene and cleanliness:

Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness for plastic containers are the key factors to keep your food safe. Daily cleaning will keep the interior moisture of the containers away. Also, it will control the occurrence of mold, bacteria, and foul smell on the food. It is also advised to use warm soapy water to wash the containers for sterilization.

5. Store the containers in a cool and dry place:

The place of storing the containers also affects the quality of food. Keep the containers in a cool and dry place that helps to extend the shelf life. On the other hand, the moist and warm conditions can degrade the food quality.

6. Use FDA-approved containers:

The Food and Drug Administration Organization of the US, has issued some regulations for plastic containers. Containers approved under these guidelines should be purchased to store foods.

7. Understand the RIC:

RIC or the Resin identification code should be identified by the consumers that range from 1 to 7. The digit will represent what the plastic container is made of.

The ideal choice to select a food container is to choose a container having the marking 1, 2, 4, or 5 and avoid the plastic containers with digits 3, 6, and 7.

What are the “Don’ts” we must follow before using plastic containers to store foods?

1. Avoid the storage of highly acidic and oily foods:

Plastic containers can easily react with highly acidic or oily foods, which will lead to the release of harmful chemicals. Foods rich in Vitamin C, tomato sauce, citrus fruits, and fatty meats are advised not to store in such containers to prevent chemical reactions.

2. Avoid microwave:

Most of the plastic containers are not suitable for use in a microwave. When food is reheated, it’s better to transfer it to a microwave-safe dish or use microwave-safe glass containers. If the plastic containers are microwaved, they can result in warp, release toxins into the food, or sometimes it can melt.

3. Avoid using hot foods:

Keeping hot or freshly cooked items directly in plastic containers should be avoided. High temperatures will allow the plastics to release certain chemicals into the food. Once the foods are cool, they can be stored in plastic containers.

4. Leave some space in the container:

Don’t overfill the plastic containers, leave some space for the food to expand itself. If the container is overfilled, then it will experience pressure from the lid, causing food degradation.

5. Avoid storing for a long period of time:

Usually, plastic containers are preferable for short to medium-term storage, but they are not ideal for long-term storage. Don’t plan to store food for a long time if you are using plastic containers.

Final Thoughts

Plastic containers can be effective if you properly follow the above dos and don’ts. One can safely use plastic containers by selecting a proper plastic container, maintaining hygiene, and storing food in the right way.

Moreover, you should strictly follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the container to ensure both your containers and the food items you keep inside remain safe and non-toxic.