Each industry has its own use for plastic measuring products, whether it’s for handling inventory or storing harsh chemicals. For the food service industry, it’s important to use food grade plastic containers to transport and store food products.
What Is Food Grade Plastic?
Food grade plastic is essentially any plastic that’s suitable for containing foods and beverages. Understanding food grade plastic is essential for the food service industry because some food and liquid ingredients are more acidic. If specific foods and drinks aren’t stored in proper containers, leaching can occur. Leaching affects the taste of food and beverages and can pose a risk to a person’s health when involved material is consumed.
FDA Approved Food Grade Plastics
The best way to check if plastic is food safe is to look at the product’s Resin Identification Code—such as the recycling number—to identify the type of material used.
FDA-approved food contact substances include:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) – Code 1: PET performs superior wear resistance, high strength and flexural modulus, and high impact resistance.
- Polypropylene (PP) – Code 5: PP obtains a high melting point with outstanding thermal resistance, making it microwave and dishwasher safe. It also doesn’t produce a reaction when exposed to harsh acids, bases, or detergents.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – Code 2: HDPE is durable yet lightweight.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) – Code 4: LDPE is thin compared to other food contact substances. Its material is rigid, flexible, and chemical and impact resistant.
- Polycarbonate (PC) – Code 6: PC is FDA approved, but there’s an ongoing concern about the health effects of bisphenol A (BPA)—a key ingredient to the manufacturing of this plastic. PC is heat resistant, thermally and dimensionally stable, and has high impact resistance.
Types of Food Grade Plastic Measuring Tools
Food Measuring Pitchers
Food measuring pitchers are essential for measuring large quantities of ingredients. You have a lot of different elements that go into your product, which makes precision and accuracy even more important to ensure it comes out how you want it to. In addition, your food measuring pitchers should be easy to hold, practical, and prevent spills to make your job easier and minimize the risk of error.
Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers are necessary for handling and storing food products. When handling food, it’s crucial to ensure the type of plastic you’re using is suitable for holding the material to eliminate the risk of leaching.
In addition to storing food, you should also keep your work area’s cleaning supplies in proper containers. This eliminates the risk of health hazards to both your workers and customers. When chemicals are stored improperly, you risk the possibility of skin irritation, burns, and respiratory issues.
Food Measuring Cups and Scoops
Whether you’re a head chef, fast-food worker, or an ice cream scooper, precise and accurate measurements are vital for single-serving sizes. High-quality food measuring cups and scoops guarantee that you always provide the same quantity of product without jeopardizing inventory.
Eliminate Cross Contamination With Protective Equipment
Food grade plastics are essential for safe and efficient measuring and storing practices. However, it’s also important to consider safe food handling practices with the appropriate protective equipment.
Food service settings have strict guidelines when it comes to appropriate food handling practices. The FDA has a list of requirements a food service business must follow to stay up and operating. For example, without the proper gear—such as disposable gloves—food service companies risk shutting down business. Gloves play a critical role in maintaining clean food handling processes. Without gloves, your workers and customers run the risk of cross contamination that affects both their health and the products you serve.
Guarantee Food Safety With Axiom Products
Since 2004, Axiom Products has been supplying food service businesses with high-quality measuring products and protective equipment. As a family-owned and -operated company, we take pride in the products we manufacture, and we want to share them with you and your employees. Start the conversation with us today on how we can be your partner in measuring products and protective equipment.
