Emma needs your help! OK, so about two years ago, I did a lot of research and spent a lot of money on Tupperware containers, specifically the Rock 'N Serve containers that can go from the freezer to the microwave. I've been packing them with leftovers for my husband's lunch that he takes to work for the past couple of years. But now I've read in some forums that some Tupperware, and I think the Rock 'N Serve specifically are dangerous when heated..."
Good Questions: Safe Food Storage Containers?
Is it true that Tupperware has BPA? And if it does, what can I replace them with to send my husband to work with?
Well, you're definitely right that there have been a lot of questions surrounding BPA in containers and there was some confusion about Tupperware for a while. Tupperware now has clear information up on their website , and it does look like your Rock 'N Serve containers are made of polycarbonate.
We also found information on Tupperware at Safe Baby Nest and Soft Landing.
We recommend steering clear of them for now. As for what to use instead, how about Pyrex glass containers? Ikea also has microwaveable containers made of Polyethylene and Polypropylene rather than Polycarbonate.
Readers- what suggestions do you have?
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Safe Mama has a link to the National Geographic "Green Guide" for safe containers: http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/95/containers. It lists some tupperware that is considered safe but I don't see Rock N Serve on this list.
view Cicely'sMom's profile
I love lock-n-lock for their airtight seal. Husband uses them every day. Here's a link to a board that quotes Lock-n-lock's confirmation that they're bpa-free.
They're available lots of places online, and I've seen them in sets at Target. I get mine at the Asian supermarkets near me.
view Lisa K.'s profile
I got a set of glass "tupperware" at Crate and Barrel. It a little heavier than plastic, but with less of the worries. I just take off the plastic lid when microwaving and replace it with a paper towel.
view eowes's profile
I just got pyrex and I love em. :)
view Lizzykewl's profile
if you flip the container over, it will have a recycle sign and a # in it. That # tells you whether it is 'safe' or not to microwave. (BPA=#7; PVC=#3.... #1, #2, and #5 are considered 'safer')
Generally speaking, clear plastic is NOT safe, and milky plastic IS. We have tupperware, but the ones made of milky plastic (#5)...
Here's a link that goes through the details...
frankly, I know all plastic will be deemed unsafe to microwave in the future... after all, all plastic components are derived from petroleum byproducts.
I use pyrex as often as I can, but I must confess, I know it will hurl itself out of our overstuffed freezer and shatter all over the tile floor... so I'm still using a lot of plastic.
view decorating, cooking and science's profile
whoops, forgot the link explaining plastic ingredients:
http://soapchix.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/the-fascinating-world-of-resin-and-recycle-codes-on-plastic-containers/
view decorating, cooking and science's profile
Z Recommends also has a list. Amazon.com also has a BPA-free department. Last time I checked Rubbermaid also featured a shopping section of safe plastic containers. I use those Rubbermaid ones with the dark blue trim -- can't remember the exact line name at the moment.
view genxmom's profile
I have the pyrex ones pictured. I got them as a wedding present almost 8 years ago, use them constantly (I think 4 of them are in the fridge right now), wash them in the dishwasher, and they still look like new. Amazing. So they are not only chemical-free, they won't end up in a landfill anytime soon either!
view ltmommy's profile
Old fashioned glass canning jars are perfect for work lunches. They don't leak in transport and will heat nicely in the microwave. Plus, if you get the kind that say "can or freeze," you can make a big batch of soup or casserole, freeze it individual portions, and take a jar to work. By lunch, it's thawed enough for a quick heat in the microwave.
view peanutbutter's profile
I use Pyrex for everything, from my daughter's snacks to husband's lunches. I have about 20 containers in different sizes (the 1 cup size works great for fruits and veggies for kids!) and have dropped several of them. Not one has broken (yet!) and that includes the two I dropped on the cement!
Some friends of mine just started using canning jars for their kids' snacks and I think I am going to get some of those too!
I don't bother with plastic anymore - it's too time consuming to keep up with what is safe and what isn't.
view nicmariemc's profile