Is Number 7 Plastic Safe for Food and Drink Storage?

Learn if Number 7 plastic is safe and how to avoid BPA exposure by choosing safer alternatives for food storage.

Published

Video transcript

Number 7 plastic (also known as 'other' plastics) can include polycarbonate, which can release Bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical. It's generally best to avoid using these plastics for food and drink storage unless they're specifically labeled as BPA-free. Look for safer alternatives like plastics marked #2, #4, or #5, or opt for glass or stainless steel containers.

Questions and answers

  1. What does Number 7 plastic mean?

    Number 7 plastic refers to a category labeled 'other' that can include various plastics such as polycarbonate, which may contain BPA.

  2. Is Number 7 plastic harmful to health?

    Some Number 7 plastics can release Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical potentially harmful to health, especially when used for food and drink storage.

  3. What are safer alternatives to Number 7 plastic containers?

    Safer alternatives include plastics marked #2, #4, or #5, as well as non-plastic options like glass or stainless steel containers.