The Food and Drug Administration regulates food packaging safety. However, not all packaging is safe. Plastic containers made with bisphenol-A (BPA) may harm your health. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can affect your body's hormones. It would be best to look for BPA-free plastic containers to avoid BPA when purchasing plastic food storage containers. The tips below will help you get an ideal plastic food container for your use:
Size of the Container
Plastic food storage containers come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Use them to store leftovers, pack school lunches, freeze ice cream, organize kitchen cabinets, and store bulk foods. When shopping for plastic food storage containers, focus on purchasing a size that meets your needs because larger sizes require more energy to manufacture than smaller sizes.
The Durability of the Material
Plastic food storage containers are made from petroleum-based plastics, making them very durable compared to other food storage options like paper or glass. This means they can last a long time without breaking down in landfills. However, it would be best if you still considered the container's durability when making a purchase decision. Some containers are not as sturdy as others, so make sure the lids snap on tightly and that the plastic resists cracking or breaking.
Shatter-Resistant
If you drop a glass food storage container, it could shatter into pieces and cut your hand. Many plastic containers are made from materials that will break instead of shattering if they fall off a countertop or table. However, some plastic containers only resist shattering under certain conditions like temperature and type of impact. You should carefully read product descriptions and manufacturer recommendations before making a purchase decision.
Microwave Safety
Some people prefer not to use plastic food storage containers in the microwave because heating food in plastic may cause chemicals like BPA to leach into your food. However, some plastics are made specifically for microwaving and claim not to contain chemicals that could seep into your food.
Ease of Cleaning
Plastic food storage containers are very easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher, so you don't need any special tools to keep them clean. However, some plastic containers have a complicated design with many parts that make them harder to clean thoroughly than containers with a simple design made from one piece of molded plastic.
Leak-Proof
Plastic containers typically include snap-on lids that should fit tightly and prevent food from leaking out. However, it is wise to consider other container elements if you want complete leak-proof protection because even the best containers may experience some leakage over time. Glass and metal do not require tight lids to prevent leaks, so look for those features when shopping for plastic storage containers and other factors such as measurements and ergonomics.
When you are in the market for food storage containers, you can shop online or go to a store. Either way, without these tips and tricks, you could end up with containers that are not functional for storing food.
Comentarios