Plastic is everywhere in the food industry, from packaging and storage containers to kitchen tools and industrial food processing equipment. However, not all plastics are safe for food contact. To ensure consumer safety, only specific types of plastic are deemed food-grade, meaning they do not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 main types of food-grade plastic, how to identify them, their common applications, and what makes them safe for food contact.
Understanding Food-Grade Plastic
Food-grade plastic refers to plastic materials that meet strict standards established by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and other national or international health authorities. These plastics are tested to ensure they don’t contain harmful toxins, won’t react with foods, and are safe under expected usage conditions (e.g., heat, cold, acidity).
Most food-safe plastics fall under one of the seven major resin identification codes, which are typically printed on the bottom of containers inside a triangle of arrows.
The 7 Types of Food-Grade Plastic
1. PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – #1
PET is a lightweight, strong, and clear plastic commonly used for food and beverage packaging.
Common Uses:
Water and soft drink bottles
Peanut butter jars
Salad dressing containers
Oven-ready meal trays
Why It’s Food Safe:
Resistant to moisture and gas
Does not contain BPA
Approved for single-use food packaging
Caution:
PET is generally intended for single use. Repeated use or exposure to high heat (e.g., microwaving) can degrade its structure.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – #2
HDPE is a dense, opaque plastic known for its strength and chemical resistance.
Common Uses:
Milk jugs
Juice bottles
Yogurt tubs
Cereal box liners
Cutting boards
Why It’s Food Safe:
Strong barrier against moisture
Highly resistant to chemicals
Doesn’t leach harmful substances
Bonus: HDPE is dishwasher safe and recyclable.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – #3
PVC is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or flexible. However, its use in food applications is limited and highly regulated.
Common Uses:
Food cling wraps (when specially formulated)
Conveyor belts and tubing in food processing
Bottle seals
Why It’s Food Safe (with Conditions):
Requires the use of food-grade plasticizers (e.g., DOA or citric acid esters) for flexibility
Must comply with strict standards due to potential presence of phthalates or chlorine
Note: Not all PVC is food-safe—only specially manufactured formulations are approved for food contact.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – #4
LDPE is softer and more flexible than HDPE and is widely used in packaging.
Common Uses:
Bread bags
Frozen food bags
Squeeze bottles
Container lids
Food-grade film and wraps
Why It’s Food Safe:
Low chemical reactivity
Flexible, with good moisture barrier
Approved for direct food contact
Bonus: LDPE is microwave-safe in many applications, but it's best to check labels.
- PP (Polypropylene) – #5
Polypropylene is one of the most heat-resistant food-safe plastics, making it ideal for hot-fill applications.
Common Uses:
Yogurt cups
Take-out containers
Microwaveable containers
Bottle caps
Straws
Why It’s Food Safe:
Withstands high temperatures
Excellent chemical resistance
Does not leach toxins under heat
Bonus: PP is dishwasher and microwave safe, making it perfect for reusable food containers.
- PS (Polystyrene) – #6
Polystyrene can be rigid (like cutlery) or expanded into foam (like disposable coffee cups). Its food-grade status is debated.
Common Uses:
Disposable cutlery and plates
Meat trays
Egg cartons
Foam take-out containers
Why It’s (Sometimes) Considered Food Safe:
Approved for limited, single-use food contact
Stable at room temperature
Caution:
Polystyrene may leach styrene when heated or with acidic/oily foods, so it’s not recommended for microwaving or reuse.
- Other Plastics – #7 (Including Polycarbonate and Bioplastics)
Category #7 includes plastics not classified in the other six groups. It’s a broad category with varying safety profiles.
Common Uses:
Reusable water bottles
Baby bottles (older versions)
Food storage containers
Biodegradable plastics (PLA)
Why It’s Food Safe (Case-by-Case):
Some #7 plastics like polycarbonate were widely used, but concerns about BPA (Bisphenol A) have led to a shift toward BPA-free alternatives.
Bioplastics like PLA (Polylactic Acid) are increasingly used in compostable food containers and cutlery.
Important: Always check for “BPA-Free” or FDA-approved labeling when using #7 plastics for food.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the 7 types of food-grade plastic is essential for safe food storage, packaging, and handling—whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or everyday consumer. While many plastics are safe under normal use, always pay attention to:
Intended use (e.g., microwave or freezer safe)
Manufacturer certification (FDA, EFSA, etc.)
Signs of wear or damage, which may compromise safety
By choosing the right type of plastic for your needs and handling it correctly, you can ensure better food safety and environmental responsibility.
After reading this article if you are still unsure about which plastic is food grade or what type of plastic should be used for your product, contact REGO, as a professional injection molding manufacturer, we can provide you with professional advice and help you choose the right material, saving you the trouble.
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