Safety and Plastics SC Johnson's Ziploc® brand bags and Containers are BPA free. Our products are extensively evaluated for toxicity and safety and comply with applicable quality and safety regulations.
Ziploc® Containers with lids feature easy-to-use, leakproof Smart Snap technology. They are BPA free and safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and fridge (when used as directed). Use them to store food, organize supplies, or while on the go.
They're in your kids' lunchboxes, your kitchen drawers, and probably in your refrigerator. Ziploc storage bags have been a part of American culture for decades. But those toxic plastic baggies are leaching harmful chemicals into your food – and killing marine life.
For example, due to the wear/tear and continuous use of the self-sealing plastic ziplock bag, the plastics can be broken down and release some debris as microplastics.
According to National Geographic's The Green Guide, plastics #2, #4 and #5 are the safest for repeatedly storing your food. If you reuse items made from plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 (some Tupperware products are made from #7), you run the risk of having toxic chemicals leach into the contents.
Plastic food containers are asserted to be safe, and the resin used in their manufacture is assigned a number to help understand their recyclability. These containers are not totally inert and leach varying levels of metals and chemicals into the foods they store—especially if subjected to elevated temperatures.
Ziploc bags and similar storage products (like takeout containers) are incredibly useful around the house and in life, but they're not great for the environment: they're single-use, not recyclable, and can contain microplastics or other materials you probably don't want to ingest.
Regardless of the types of chemicals in a plastic food container, it may not be entirely safe. Plastics break down over time, which means they can potentially release trace amounts of microplastics and whatever chemicals they are made of into the food.
Silicone (Stasher) Bags
Silicone bags are very similar in their purpose to Ziploc bags but can be easily washed and used almost countless times. They can be washed in a dishwasher and used in the microwave and freezer.
Our products are made without BPA or Phthalates. Our products are reusable. Our products are recyclable. +Ziploc® bags are recyclable in some areas.
Rigid containers and flexible bags or wrapping are two general types of packaging materials that are safe for freezing. Rigid containers made of plastic or glass are suitable for all packs and are especially good for liquid packs. Straight sides on rigid containers make the frozen food much easier to remove.
Ziploc® brand bags made with polyethylene are a great choice for food storage, but should not be used for sous vide cooking (boiling in water) as the softening point is 230°F and boiling point for water is 212°F.
Old Tupperware, especially those over a decade old, might contain hazardous chemicals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic. These can leach into your food, posing significant health risks. Vintage Tupperware products are particularly concerning due to the potential leaching of additional harmful substances.
According to Ziploc, its plastic bags are made with materials strong enough to be reused several times. Ziploc brand bags are indeed reusable after hand-washing with soap and air drying. Any bags that have damage or become difficult to clean completely (looking at you, marinades with turmeric) should be tossed.
Silicone food storage containers.
Ultra-lightweight and often collapsible, silicone containers seem to be a convenient choice. Like silicone food storage bags, they're also safer and more sustainable than plastic options.
Secondary microplastics derive from typical plastic goods - most commonly trash bags, Ziploc bags, plastic water bottles, packaging, and fishing nets. UV rays from the sun and time and abrasion cause these plastic goods to break down into smaller fragments.
Exposure to chemicals used in plastics, like flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, 'forever chemicals' or PFAS, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, have been associated with a myriad of potential health impacts.
The ordinary Ziploc storage and freezer bag is made from polyethylene plastic.
Plastic bags are, in fact, the original “reusable” bags due to these purposes alone, and their inexpensive production means both retailers and consumers are able to transport materials for a very small price. Plastic bags can be repurposed and reused over and over again — even into a bag made of bags!
Whichever chemicals they contain, plastics break down over time and can potentially release trace amounts into food. “This is more likely to happen when the plastic has been heated or when it's old and has been repeatedly used and washed,” she says.
No. The use of plastic trash bags for food storage or cooking is not recommended because they are not food-grade plastic and chemicals from them may be absorbed into the food.
Single-use plastic containers, like the ones you usually get from take-out restaurants, are not intended for long-term use. Here's exactly what you should be looking for: Visible wear and tear: Check your plastic food containers for any cracks, chips, scratches, sticky surfaces, or warping.