Sistema · Food Storage Containers
Sistema To Go Small Split Container
Lower PFAS concern, standard rigid plastic food container with no known fluorochemical treatment.
Sistema's To Go Small Split Container is a polypropylene lunch box designed for food storage. PP is a base plastic with no inherent PFAS risk, and Sistema makes no claims or disclosures about PFAS or fluorochemical treatments on this product.
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Polypropylene (PP) plastic with silicone gaskets
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 injection-molded polypropylene (PP, #5 plastic), a rigid thermoplastic chosen for food storage because it is non-toxic at normal use temperatures and has no known migration of harmful chemicals into food at room temperature. The silicone gaskets provide an airtight seal and are chemically inert; silicone does not leach plasticizers or bisphenols. Polypropylene itself contains no BPA, BPS, or phthalates by formulation, and rigid PP is generally stable and resistant to degradation during normal food storage.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sistema is a New Zealand-based food-storage brand with a long history in the category and no published recalls or safety controversies in the public record regarding chemical hazards. The company does not publicly disclose manufacturing certifications (e.g., third-party toxicology testing) or detailed material sourcing statements, which is typical of mid-market consumer plastics brands. No independent testing or regulatory actions against Sistema containers for leaching, off-gassing, or contaminant migration have been reported.
How it compares in its category
Rigid polypropylene food containers are industry standard and are considered lower-hazard than flexible plastics or older polycarbonate alternatives. Sistema containers occupy the mid-to-budget segment; they perform similarly to competitors like Rubbermaid Brilliance (also PP) and Pyrex glass alternatives in terms of chemical stability, though glass and stainless steel avoid plastic-leaching concerns entirely. The silicone gasket is a premium feature that reduces air exposure and minimizes the need for repeated opening, which can extend seal integrity.
If you buy it
Do not microwave this container; polypropylene softens above 160°C and may degrade, especially around seals. Hand wash the silicone gasket separately and allow it to air dry to prevent mold or odor accumulation. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight to slow polymer aging. Replace the container if the gasket cracks, seals no longer lock, or if the plastic becomes cloudy, warped, or develops permanent discoloration, as these signs indicate material degradation. Avoid prolonged contact with hot foods or liquids above 70°C.
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 migration
Polypropylene formulations do not contain BPA or BPS by design. No reports of either chemical in Sistema PP containers.
Phthalate leaching
PP rigid plastic does not use phthalate plasticizers; this hazard is not applicable to this product category or material.
Polymer degradation and microplastic shedding
Prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight, or mechanical stress (heavy use, washing) can cause PP to become brittle and shed particles. Risk is low during normal cold-food storage but increases with misuse or aging.
Silicone gasket contamination or mold
If the gasket is not dried thoroughly after washing, it can trap moisture and harbor mold or bacterial growth. Regular inspection and replacement of gaskets every 1-2 years of heavy use is prudent.
Odor and stain absorption
Polypropylene is porous and absorbs oils and pigments from foods (e.g., curry, tomato, turmeric). This is cosmetic and does not indicate chemical leaching, but degraded discolored containers should be replaced for hygiene confidence.
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 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.