Health & Fitness

6 Foods That Should Never Be Stored in Plastic Containers

Apr 16, 2025

By: Victoria Marty - Canadian Living

Photographer: Unsplash | Darrien Staton

Health & Fitness

6 Foods That Should Never Be Stored in Plastic Containers

Apr 16, 2025

By: Victoria Marty - Canadian Living

Many experts advise against using plastic when preparing and storing food.

The reason? The risk of transferring microplastics to food could be very high.

There are some ingredients would be even more at risk than others of being contaminated.

In the late 1940s, plastic food containers revolutionized the daily lives of many families, making it easier to store food, whether raw or prepared, in the refrigerator and freezer. After becoming a kitchen essential, plastic containers are now increasingly criticized. And for good reason: we now know that these airtight containers are not without health risks. While specialist Isabelle Plante recently warned about the risks of reusing single-use plastic containers, which are tested for a single type of use,cthere are a few foods that should avoid plastic entirely, if possible.

6 Foods You Should Never Store in Plastic Containers

Cooked food, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the next meal, is an easy way to save a little time in the kitchen. However, some foods should not come into contact with plastic, mainly due to possible chemical reactions between plastic and food components, especially under certain conditions (heat, acidity, fat, etc.).

1. BERRIES

Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are very fragile and are more susceptible to the transfer of microplastics. Furthermore, storing them in a box increases the risk of mold.

2. VERY FATTY FOODS

A study published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety concludes that lipids increase contaminant migration rates. Fats can therefore interact with certain types of plastics (particularly those containing BPA or phthalates), promoting the migration of harmful chemicals into food. The risk is particularly increased if you use plastics such as PVC, polystyrene or plastics not certified for “food use”.

3. HIGHLY ACIDIC FOODS

Tomato sauce, vinegar, or even citrus fruits should not be stored in plastic. As a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives shows, acidity increases the migration of BPA into food.

4. CERTAIN FERMENTED OR PICKLED VEGETABLES

Sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickled gherkins are also very acidic and should not be stored in plastic, especially if it is a reused container not intended for this purpose.

5. RAW VEGETABLES

Although the risk of transfer is lower for raw vegetables, it is still preferable to store them in a glass container, since plastic will cause them to wilt much more quickly, thus deteriorating their vitamins and nutrients.

6. CHEESES

Like raw vegetables, cheese is not among the foods most susceptible to BPA migration. However, storing cheese in an airtight plastic container significantly increases the risk of mold and therefore the proliferation of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Once again, opt for glass containers.

Anchor Hocking 12-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set, $39.99 at Canadian Tire

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Health & Fitness

6 Foods That Should Never Be Stored in Plastic Containers

Health & Fitness

6 Foods That Should Never Be Stored in Plastic Containers