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Product Library · Last updated 2026-05-21

Plastic containers

Plastic, glass, and stainless steel food containers on a table

Every piece of advice below comes from official tests, consumer test reports, or publicly available data from international food-safety bodies. Click the links to check the original sources.

How to tell if this affects your family

  • Well-used plastic containers with scratches or discolouration may leach more contaminants — something parents should watch for.[1][2]
  • Check the recycling number on the bottom of plastic containers. Type 7 plastic (polycarbonate, PC) may contain BPA (bisphenol A).[3][4]
  • Unless a plastic container is labelled "microwave-safe," don't put it in the microwave — high heat can cause chemicals to leach out.[5][6]
  • Keep an eye on recall notices from regulators — some children's drinking cups have been recalled in the past for plasticiser violations.[7][8]

What you can do today

  • Avoid heating food in plastic containers, especially fatty foods — high temperatures increase the chance of chemicals leaching out.[6][5]
  • If a plastic container is cracked, scratched, or warped, replace it straight away to reduce the risk of contaminants.[1][2]
  • Cut down on single-use plastic cutlery and takeaway containers — bring your own reusables to reduce exposure to potential harmful substances.[9][10]
  • Hand-wash plastic containers with mild detergent. Avoid strong cleaning agents or abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface and increase chemical leaching.[6]

What to look for next time you shop

  • Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers are more stable materials that don't leach chemicals — far safer for hot food or microwave use.[11][10]
  • If you do need plastic, choose PP (polypropylene, #5) or HDPE (high-density polyethylene, #2), and make sure the product is labelled "BPA-free."[3][4]
  • Check the safety certifications of silicone and bamboo fibre products — some silicone food containers have tested positive for excess volatile organic compounds, and bamboo fibre tableware can also release formaldehyde.[12][13][14]
  • Read the label carefully when buying — look for the maximum and minimum temperature ratings, and make sure you stay within the safe range.[6]

Reference standards

  • EU ban on BPA in baby bottles — The EU has prohibited the use of BPA in baby bottles since 2011. Alternatives such as BPS are not subject to the same regulation and their safety remains uncertain. Official source
  • PFOA phase-out in non-stick coatings — Major non-stick cookware manufacturers phased out PFOA from 2013 onwards. The new generation of "PFOA-free" and ceramic coatings is considered safer. Official source

Sources

Every piece of advice above corresponds to one or more of the sources below. Any parent can click through to check the original.

  1. [1] Centre for Food Safety Food Alerts · cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_03_dp.html
  2. [2] Consumer Council · consumer.org.hk/tc/article/350-2799
  3. [3] U.S. FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts · fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/FoodAdditivesIngredients/ucm355155.htm
  4. [4] Choice (choice.com.au) · choice.com.au/home-and-living/kitchen/food-storage/buying-guides/plastic-food-containers
  5. [5] Which? (which.co.uk) · which.co.uk/reviews/microwaves/article/microwave-containers-what-you-can-and-cant-put-in-microwave-a3AbC0e015Aw
  6. [6] Centre for Food Safety Food Alerts · cfs.gov.hk/english/multimedia/multimedia_pub/files/disposable_plastic_containers.pdf
  7. [7] U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls · cpsc.gov/zh-CN/Recalls/2021/Porter-World-Trade-Recalls-Ron-Jon-Surf-Shop-Sippy-Cup-Due-to-Violations-of-Federal-Lead-Content-and-Phthalates-Bans
  8. [8] Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department Press Releases · customs.gov.hk/en/customs-announcement/press-release/index_id_2575.html
  9. [9] Consumer Council · consumer.org.hk/tc/article/546-alternatives-for-single-use-plastic-products/546-alternatives-for-single-use-plastic-products-samples-and-test-items
  10. [10] Which? (which.co.uk) · which.co.uk/news/article/ditch-the-plastic-sustainable-swaps-for-you-and-the-planet-aaXOr8T4wJeV
  11. [11] Consumer Reports (consumerreports.org) · consumerreports.org/home-garden/opt-for-safer-kitchenware-a2506781798/
  12. [12] Consumer Council · consumer.org.hk/tc/press-release/p-539-foldable-silicone-containers-cups
  13. [13] Stiftung Warentest (test.de) · test.de/Bambusbecher-im-Test-Die-meisten-setzen-hohe-Mengen-an-Schadstoffen-frei-5496265-0/
  14. [14] Stiftung Warentest (test.de) · test.de/Kindergeschirr-im-Test-Zucker-Zimt-und-viel-Formaldehyd-5644087-0/

Want to see the full test results?

This month's feature article breaks down the complete brand list from the Consumer Council's 2020 test of 77 crunchy snacks.

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