So, can I ferment vegetables in plastic containers? You can, but not in every plastic container. You have to use plastic containers that follow the pre-requisites to make them suitable for your ferments: they have to be able to contain acidic liquid without degrading and releasing chemicals and have no scratches that would increase the danger of unhealthy bacteria being in touch with your ferments.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If thinking about using plastic, there are some categories you should keep an eye on to make sure you find a durable container that is safe for you and our precious, healthy bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 3 main concerns when using a plastic container:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I will get into detail about each of them to help you understand the problem and, later, I will tell you the solution. If you are already aware of it, scroll to the next topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first problem (not in order of importance)<\/em> is the pH level of the ferments. During fermentation, the lactic acid bacteria will produce lactic acid, turning the environment acidic. That is a good thing because this is how the fermentation process protects the food from mold and spoilage bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, some materials will react with the acid or be corroded by it. This is the case with many plastics and acidic food. And if you use a plastic that is not resistant to acid, it can release chemical products on your food. We definitely do not want that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second problem is that plastic containers can easily be scratched inside, which could harbor unwanted bacteria that will end up being in touch with your fermented vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even thin and small scratches can harbor enough bacteria to spoil your vegetables or make you sick. Bacteria are microbes, which means really, really, really small. So, you would be taking a blind and unmeasurable risk to use a scratched plastic container. No pun intended.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And third, but not least. BPA. You probably have heard of it many times so I won’t get into too many details, but here is the basic you need to know to understand this problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. […] Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children’s behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.<\/p>Mayo Clinic<\/a> about BPA<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This means BPA is bad, even though it is legal and it is pretty cheap. Consequently, many plastic products (and non-plastic products, like soda cans) have BPA in their composition. You definitely shouldn’t ferment your vegetables in a container with BPA!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We have already talked about the problems with plastic containers. However, as I said before, there are plastic containers that are suitable for fermentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to being BPA-free and having no scratches inside, as mentioned before, here’s what you need to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The many kinds of plastic that exist are divided into categories to assist both you and companies in making this choice. The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services<\/em><\/strong>) is one of the organs that regulated the plastics used for food packaging and food handling. Even though this can vary between countries, the norms and symbols are very much alike. For the purpose of this article, we will be looking into “Food Grade,” “Food Safe,” and “FDA Compliant” plastics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FDA Compliant plastics follow the rules this governmental organ stipulated as essential for plastics that are in direct contact with food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n FDA compliant is a shorthand way of talking about materials that are safe for direct food contact. These materials are also called food contact substances (FCS). An FCS is any material that comes into contact with or is used for manufacturing, packing, packaging, transporting, or holding food. Both the plastics and the pigments used in making colored plastic fittings and cooking utensils are examples of food-contact substances.<\/p>ISM <\/a>Website<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n For a plastic to be FDA Compliant, it has to also be Food Grade and Food Safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is The Problem With Plastic Containers for Fermentation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which Plastics Containers CAN I Use to Ferment Vegetables?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The plastic containers must be able to contain the acidic liquid<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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