Internet scares may make it hard to tell fact from fiction, possibly deterring you from heating or storing your food in plastic. However, some plastics are safe to use for food storage -- and even microwaving. The rule of thumb for safe food storage is this: Use only food-grade containers and follow manufacturer directions. When properly done, freezing is the food-preservation method that helps your veggies retain the most nutrients, making it a healthy way to store your vegetables for future use.
FDA Regulation
Food stored or wrapped in plastic and then microwaved in the plastic may leak substances like phthalates and BPA into your food. While this sounds alarming, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration closely regulates materials that come into contact with food, including plastic containers. If a container is labeled "microwave safe," it has been tested by the FDA and found safe for that purpose. The FDA also tests for chemical migration at temperatures that a food container or wrap is likely to experience with ordinary use. Thus, if your frozen vegetables come in a plastic container it is likely safe. Just be sure to check the container for a microwave-safe label before zapping it. If the container or plastic bag is not labeled microwave safe, remove your vegetables before cooking them.
Use Only Food Grade
Do not store your frozen vegetables in plastic containers that are not made specifically for food storage. For example, people commonly use film canisters, plastic grocery bags or plastic trash bags to store food. These are not food-grade plastic, which means there's a risk that chemicals can reach your food, according to the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.
Single-Use Items
Do not store your vegetables in single-use plastic containers such as cottage cheese or margarine tubs. Such items are not made of materials designed for repeated cleaning with hot soap and water or repeated use. The container may have edges that curl and collect bacteria. Also, such containers are developed for specific types of food and temperatures. If you put warm or hot cooked vegetables, or vegetables that are acidic, in them they may not stand up to these conditions.
Considerations
If you are storing vegetables in the freezer in a safe plastic container or freezer bag, don't wait too long before consuming them. Most vegetables can be stored safely for eight to 12 months. After that, it's time to toss them. To prevent chemical changes in the vegetables you are freezing, use a plastic bag or container that doesn't allow air to pass into the product. Also, remove as much air as you can from the container or freezer bag prior to putting it on ice. Use freezer bags that are vapor-resistant and moisture-resistant, or rigid containers made of plastic with covers that fit tightly.
References
- University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, Lancaster County; Kitchen Food Safety -- Bags, Bottles and Beyond; Alice Henneman, Joyce Jensen
- Colorado State University Extension; Food Storage for Safety and Quality; P. Kendall, N. Dimond; February 2007
- Harvard Medical School: Microwaving Food in Plastic: Dangerous or Not?
- University of Minnesota Extension; Freezing Fruits and Vegetables; William Schafer, Shirley T. Munson; 2009
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