Sistema · Food Storage Containers
Sistema To Go Sandwich Lunch Box
Lower-concern option; PP containers typically don't require water/grease barriers, but verify specific product line with manufacturer.
Sistema's To Go Sandwich Box is primarily polypropylene plastic, which is not a typical PFAS carrier. However, Sistema makes no public PFAS disclosure or claims. The risk depends on whether the lid seal or any coating uses Teflon-family coating or water-repellent coating treatments, contact the brand directly if you need assurance.
Shop Sistema on Amazon →Material
polypropylene (PP) plastic container and 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
Sistema To Go uses polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic polymer rated #5 in recycling codes. PP is chemically inert at room temperature and does not naturally contain BPA, phthalates, or PVC softeners. However, PP degrades under prolonged heat and UV exposure, and any colorants or additives in the plastic molding carry contamination risk if not food-grade certified. The sandwich compartment design minimizes prolonged contact with moisture-heavy foods, reducing leaching potential versus liquid-filled containers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sistema is a New Zealand-based kitchenware manufacturer with no major product safety recalls on record in North America or EU databases for this lunch box line. The company does not publish detailed material sourcing or chemical certification statements on its public website; food-contact claims rely on assumed regulatory compliance rather than third-party verification. No formal BPA-free or phthalate-free declaration has been widely advertised, though PP formulation typically excludes these compounds by default.
How it compares in its category
PP lunch boxes are among the lower-contamination options in food storage, ranking safer than vintage melamine or poorly glazed ceramic alternatives. Glass or stainless steel lunch containers offer zero plastic leaching risk but are heavier and break easily; silicone options avoid plastic but are newer in market with less long-term safety data. Sistema's polypropylene competes favorably on safety with competitors like Rubbermaid, Lock & Lock, and Tupperware in the same price tier, all using PP or similar non-PVC plastics.
If you buy it
Do not microwave this container; PP softens above 140°C (284°F) and can release oligomers into hot foods. Hand wash or place on top rack of dishwasher only, as high heat degrades the plastic over time. Replace every 2-3 years or if you notice cloudiness, cracking, or odor retention, signs of polymer breakdown. Store away from direct sunlight and avoid contact with acidic condiments (vinegar, citrus) for extended periods, as weak acid can accelerate surface degradation.
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
PP formulations do not require these additives; no recalls or contamination reports on record for Sistema lunch boxes. Unless the specific product carries pigmented or recycled plastic components, exposure is not an established concern.
Microplastics release under heat
Microwaving or prolonged exposure to temperatures above 70°C may cause PP to shed small polymer fragments. Risk increases with container age and repeated thermal cycling; avoid hot foods and microwave use to minimize.
Colorant or pigment contamination
Sistema uses food-grade pigments per assumed compliance with FDA CFR 178.3297, but exact colorant specifications are not publicly disclosed. Heavy metals in pigments are not documented in available sources for this product line.
Additive leaching (stabilizers, UV absorbers)
PP may contain calcium stearate, titanium dioxide, or hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) used in manufacturing. Leaching into food is minimal at room temperature but increases with heat, fatty foods, and alcohol-based dressings.
Odor retention and mold growth in crevices
The sandwich compartment seams and hinged lid are difficult to fully dry; trapped moisture can harbor bacterial biofilm if not cleaned thoroughly after each use. This is a maintenance issue rather than chemical hazard but poses foodborne illness risk.
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
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⚠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.