Rubbermaid Premier · Food Storage Containers
Rubbermaid Premier Food Storage Container, 9 Cup
Lower PFAS concern; rigid food-grade plastic containers typically avoid PFAS, but Rubbermaid makes no explicit disclosure.
Rubbermaid Premier containers are rigid polypropylene (#5 plastic), a material class that historically does not require PFAS for function. No published PFAS-detection studies or recalls found. However, Rubbermaid provides no public statement on PFAS-free status, leaving some uncertainty about legacy formulations or undisclosed coatings.
Shop Rubbermaid Premier on Amazon →Material
polypropylene (PP) plastic with polypropylene lid
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 container is polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic), a rigid thermoplastic chosen for food storage because it resists many chemicals and does not readily leach at room temperature or mild heating. PP has a melting point around 130°C (266°F), well above typical refrigerator and microwave use but below boiling water. The lid is also polypropylene, making the entire assembly chemically consistent and less prone to mixed-material degradation. PP does not naturally contain BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors that plague #7 or #3 plastics.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid, owned by Newell Brands, does not publish ingredient transparency reports or third-party certifications for food storage containers. The brand has no public history of recalls or hazard advisories specific to Premier food storage lines related to leaching or chemical migration. However, Rubbermaid remains silent on PFAS use in non-stick or seal treatments, which is typical of the mainstream food storage industry. No independent testing of this product for regulated contaminants has been published by consumer safety organizations.
How it compares in its category
Polypropylene rigid containers are among the safest food storage materials available and are used across premium and budget brands alike. This product sits in the mid-market segment: more durable than thin disposable takeout containers but without premium certifications (e.g., BPA-free labeling, Cradle-to-Cradle) that some competitors advertise. Glass and stainless steel alternatives eliminate plastic leaching entirely but cost more and break more easily. Rubbermaid Premier is functionally equivalent to store-brand PP containers from Target or Walmart in material safety terms.
If you buy it
Store cold or room-temperature foods only; avoid filling with hot liquids or microwaving at high power, as sustained heat above 70°C (158°F) can warp the lid seal and accelerate any minor leaching. Inspect regularly for visible cracks, cloudiness, or permanent staining, which signal coating or material breakdown; replace every 3-5 years or sooner if damaged. Hand wash or use dishwasher's low-heat setting to extend life. Do not store fatty or oily foods (oils can soften PP) or highly acidic foods (vinegar, citrus) for prolonged periods, though occasional use poses minimal risk.
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.”
BPA or phthalates leaching
Polypropylene does not inherently contain BPA or phthalates by its molecular structure. No recalls or test reports document leaching of these chemicals from Rubbermaid Premier containers under normal storage conditions.
Microplastics from degradation
Repeated heating, UV exposure, or mechanical stress can cause PP to fragment over time. If this container is microwaved repeatedly at high power or left in sunlight, microscopic plastic particles may migrate into stored food, though no specific data exists for this product line.
Lid seal degradation and bacterial growth
Rubbermaid Premier relies on a PP snap-seal lid. If the seal weakens or cracks, stored food can become exposed to air and contaminants, creating conditions for bacterial growth. Proper inspection and replacement prevent this kitchen-level risk, not a material hazard.
Minor volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Food-grade PP containers typically emit negligible VOCs after manufacturing and curing. No published data suggests Rubbermaid Premier emits odors or harmful vapors under normal storage conditions, though new plastic odor may be briefly noticeable.
Aluminum or heavy metal migration from coatings
This product has no metal components or colored glazes that would introduce lead, cadmium, or aluminum leaching risk. The hazard is not relevant to rigid food-grade plastic containers.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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 Storage Containers
Caraway
Food Storage Set
Glass containers with plastic lids
Lower concern; glass + plastic lids with stated PFAS-free position, but no third-party verification of lid material.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
Home 9-Piece Mini Food Storage Set
Borosilicate glass containers with plastic lids
Lower-concern option; glass containers avoid PFAS coatings, but verify lid material before purchase.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
Cream 6.6-Cup Non-Stick Glass Food Storage Container with Lid
borosilicate glass with non-PFAS lid
Lower PFAS concern, glass container with stated non-PFAS lid, though third-party verification absent.
⚠Risky category by default
More food storage containers 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.