Good Start Packaging · Food Packaging
24 oz Compostable PLA Clear Clamshell Deli Containers w/Lids | 200/Case | BDV09007
Lower concern, PLA is intrinsically PFAS-free, but verify no fluorinated coatings were applied post-production.
PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based plastic polymer with no inherent fluorine chemistry, so PFAS contamination is unlikely unless a grease-resistant or water-repellent coating was added during manufacturing.
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PLA (polylactic acid) plastic clamshell
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This product is polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-derived thermoplastic made from corn starch or sugarcane. PLA does not leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal refrigeration and ambient storage. However, PLA softens above 50-60°C and can degrade if exposed to prolonged heat, oils, or acidic foods, potentially releasing oligomers (short polymer chains) in small quantities. For cold deli storage, its intended use, PLA is chemically stable and considered a low-toxicity food contact material.
The brand's record and disclosure
Good Start Packaging is a mid-size foodservice supplier with no publicly documented safety recalls or material transparency scandals on record. The company does not publish detailed PFAS or chemical disclosure statements on this product line. BDV09007 carries standard FDA food contact compliance marking but lacks third-party certification (e.g., Green Seal, Cradle to Cradle) that would independently verify manufacturing hygiene or additive purity. No evidence of formaldehyde resin coatings or fluorinated post-treatments has been reported for this product.
How it compares in its category
PLA clamshells are chemically safer than polystyrene (PS) takeout containers, which can leach styrene monomers, and comparable to or better than recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) when source material purity is unknown. Unlike polypropylene (PP), PLA does not tolerate hot or oily foods without degradation, limiting its versatility but reducing migration risk in cold storage. This product's 'compostable' claim aligns with ASTM D6868 industrial composting standards, though it poses no chemical advantage over standard PLA for food safety.
If you buy it
Keep containers below 50°C; use only for cold or room-temperature deli items (salads, cold cuts, prepared foods stored in refrigeration). Do not microwave or expose to hot liquids, as PLA warping accelerates leaching of minor oligomers. Replace containers every 6-12 months if reused for storage, as scratches and cloudiness indicate polymer degradation. Ensure food is cooled before sealing to avoid condensation that can promote mold or bacterial growth inside the closed container.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Oligomer leaching (minor, temperature-dependent)
PLA can release short-chain polymer fragments if heated above 50°C or exposed to oils and acids. At room temperature and below, leaching is minimal and not associated with known health effects, but is not zero.
BPA / phthalates
PLA does not contain BPA or phthalate plasticizers by formulation. No reports of these substances in Good Start Packaging PLA products.
Microplastics from degradation
PLA fragments from scratched, degraded, or physically broken containers may shed microscopic particles into food. Risk increases with container age and reuse; lower concern for single-use foodservice applications.
Bacterial or mold colonization (packaging-related)
Sealed PLA containers create condensation-prone microenvironments if food is packed while warm. This is a storage and handling issue, not a material defect, but common with this product type.
Adhesive or ink migration from label/printing
No specific reports for this product. If labels or interior printing use low-migration inks and adhesives (standard in food packaging), risk is negligible. Verify manufacturer uses food-grade printing if purchasing high volumes.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Food Packaging
World Centric
Compostable Fiber Compost-A-Pak Containers
Fiber-based (wood pulp/molded fiber), compostable coating
Lower-concern choice; compostable fiber with documented PFAS-free commitments, though independent lab confirmation on this specific SKU is absent.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Vegware
Compostable Microflute Takeaway Box
Plant-based fiber (sugarcane bagasse microflute); water-based coatings
Lower-concern choice; plant-based compostable packaging with transparent PFAS-free positioning, though lab test availability is limited.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Loliware
Compostable Hinged Deli Containers
Polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic, plant-based coatings
Lower PFAS concern; compostable bioplastic design avoids legacy fluorine coatings typical in food packaging.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More food packaging grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.