Why are only food grade plastic containers safe for storing food?

Only food-grade plastic storage containers are safe for storing food because they have been tested and approved to not contain materials that could leach into the food and contaminate it. These materials can be harmful to human health, causing health issues or leading to food spoilage. In contrast, non-food grade plastic containers are often made using a variety of chemicals and materials that are not compatible with food contact and can potentially pose significant risks to human health when used for food storage.

Plastic containers that are specifically marked as "food grade" have been manufactured using food-grade materials and have undergone proper testing to ensure the safety of the plastic in direct contact with food. Manufacturers of food-grade plastic containers must follow strict regulations and standards to guarantee that no hazardous substances can migrate from the plastic to the food. These containers comply with guidelines such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or similar food safety authorities in different regions.

Commonly, food-grade plastic containers are made of specific polymers like Polyethylene (PET) for clear containers, Polypropylene (PP) for microwaveable containers, and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for heavy-duty containers. They are designed with the intention of being inert, meaning they do not release harmful chemicals or react with the food stored inside.

In summary, only food-grade plastic storage containers are safe for storing food because non-food grade containers may contain harmful chemicals that could contaminate the food and pose risks to human health. Choosing food-grade containers ensures safety, preserves food quality, and ensures your health is protected from potentially harmful substances.