Rubbermaid · Disposable Food Containers
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 3.2-Cup Round Food Container 4-Pack
Lower concern; basic plastic food storage without known PFAS coatings.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are polypropylene food containers without advertised nonstick or grease-resistant coatings. No PFAS disclosure, but material itself carries lower inherent risk than treated cookware or coated textiles.
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Polypropylene plastic container with snap-lock lid
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This container is polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic), a thermoplastic polymer chosen for food storage because it resists cracking and does not leach BPA or BPS at normal temperatures. Polypropylene is chemically stable below 100°C and does not require problematic plasticizers like phthalates to remain flexible. The snap-lock lid is also PP, which minimizes junction points where different polymer types might degrade unevenly.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid (owned by Newell Brands) has not publicly disclosed detailed chemical composition policies or independent third-party certifications (such as NSF or FDA food-contact affirmations) for this specific product line in widely available sources. The brand does not advertise BPA-free status prominently on consumer packaging for this model, though polypropylene inherently contains no BPA. No established recalls or contamination incidents specific to TakeAlongs containers have been documented in public health databases.
How it compares in its category
Polypropylene food containers are considered mid-to-high safety within plastic food storage. They rank better than older polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride alternatives but are functionally equivalent to most glass or stainless-steel options in terms of chemical leaching risk. Rubbermaid's snap-lock design is a consumer convenience feature; it does not add or reduce chemical hazards compared to simple screw-top polypropylene containers from other manufacturers.
If you buy it
Do not use these containers in the microwave or oven above 100°C, as polypropylene softens and may warp, risking microplastic shedding into food. Hand-wash or use gentle machine cycles; dishwasher high heat may degrade seals and snap mechanisms faster. Replace containers if cracks, discoloration, or odor develop, as these signal polymer degradation. Avoid storing acidic, fatty, or alcoholic foods for extended periods, as these can accelerate minor surface erosion in plastic.
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/BPS leaching
Polypropylene does not contain BPA or BPS by material design. No reports of these chemicals in Rubbermaid TakeAlongs products exist in public records.
Phthalate leaching
Polypropylene does not require phthalate plasticizers for flexibility or durability. This material class does not use phthalates in food-contact applications.
Microplastic shedding from degradation
Repeated heating above 100°C, prolonged UV exposure, or mechanical damage can cause polypropylene to crack and shed small particles into food. Risk is low under normal storage and hand-washing, but microwave use or dishwasher abuse increases likelihood.
Mold or bacterial growth in lid seals
The snap-lock lid design creates crevices that can trap water and food residue if not dried thoroughly after washing. Poor drying conditions may encourage mold or biofilm, particularly in humid environments.
Odor absorption and chemical transfer from external sources
Polypropylene is porous at the molecular level and can absorb strong odors or volatile compounds from surrounding storage areas, particularly if containers are not sealed properly or stored near solvents or off-gassing materials.
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.
More disposable food 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.