Rubbermaid · Food Storage Containers
Rubbermaid Food Storage Container
Lower concern, standard PP food containers carry minimal PFAS risk, though no brand transparency on processing.
Rubbermaid food storage containers are typically made from polypropylene (PP), a commodity plastic not inherently treated with PFAS. PP is one of the safer storage plastics and lacks the grease-resistant or water-repellent coating coatings that commonly contain PFAS.
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Polypropylene (PP) plastic container and 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
Rubbermaid food storage containers are molded from polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic polymer that is chemically inert at room temperature and approved by the FDA for food contact. PP does not contain BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors by design, and the material itself is stable under normal refrigeration and pantry storage. The rigid plastic construction means no coatings or glazes that could degrade or leach metals over time, unlike ceramic or enameled cookware.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid, owned by Newell Brands, does not publicly disclose detailed chemical processing or third-party testing for food containers, but the product line carries no FDA recalls or published safety violations related to chemical leaching. The brand markets products as BPA-free and microwave-safe within specified limits, signaling baseline compliance with food safety regulations. No independent testing reports or major safety controversies are on record for this product category from Rubbermaid.
How it compares in its category
Rubbermaid containers are mid-range in the food storage market; they perform similarly to store-brand PP containers and other major brands like Glad and Pyrex in terms of chemical safety. Glass alternatives (Pyrex, OXO) eliminate plastic-related hazards but are heavier and breakable. Rubbermaid's advantage is durability and clarity retention; disadvantage is lack of transparent disclosure about manufacturing processes and any PFAS-free certification, which some competitors now offer.
If you buy it
Keep containers below 140°C (microwave reheating safe per label, but avoid prolonged high heat). Replace lids if warped or cracked, as degraded seals reduce freshness performance more than safety risk. Wash by hand or dishwasher; normal use does not trigger known leaching. Discard if container becomes brittle, cloudy, or discolored over years of use, as polymer aging can affect performance though toxicity risk remains low.
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 and phthalates
Polypropylene does not contain BPA or phthalate plasticizers by formulation; Rubbermaid markets these containers as BPA-free. No contamination reports exist for this product line.
Microplastic shedding when heated
PP containers are stable at normal microwave temperatures (up to ~140°C) but prolonged heating or reuse of damaged containers may increase microplastic particle release. Rubbermaid labels specify microwave-safe use; exceeding recommendations increases this risk.
Coating degradation and leachables
PP containers have no internal coating or enamel; they are solid molded plastic. No degradation pathway to toxic metal leaching exists, unlike glazed ceramics.
Lid seal failure and mold/bacterial growth
Warped or cracked lids lose airtight seals, allowing moisture infiltration and food spoilage. This is a freshness and foodborne illness risk, not a chemical toxicity issue. Regular inspection and replacement of damaged lids mitigates this.
Polymer degradation over years of use
Extended storage, UV exposure, or repeated heating can cause PP to become brittle and cloudy. While toxicity risk remains low, degraded containers may shed more plastic particles. Replacement every 3-5 years of regular use is reasonable practice.
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.