Can You Store Pickles in Plastic Containers? Let’s Find Out!

Making pickles at home has become a tradition passed down through generations. Dadis and Nanis have been making pickles for years that are often enjoyed all round the year. Since pickles can be stored for long periods, an important question arises: Can pickles be stored in plastic containers?

  A few months back, my Nani was preparing pickles and she couldn’t find enough glass jars to store them. She found an empty plastic container from a pickle brand named “Farm Didi" and thought if it would be safe to store her homemade pickles in it but then she decided to go ahead and use the plastic container. At first, we were a bit doubtful about whether the pickles taste the same? Would they spoil faster? But after weeks of storage, the pickles turned out just as safe and flavourful as they always did.
  As a Food Technologist, this got me thinking: Can pickles really be stored in plastic containers without any issues? So, I decided to do some research to find out the answer to this question based on scientific facts and food storage guidelines from the food safety governing body. Here's what I discovered.

The Basics of Pickles

Before going directly to storage, it is essential to understand how pickles are made and why storage is important. Pickles are made either through a process of fermentation or pickling in brine (saltwater) or vinegar.

Pickles are generally of the following three types:
• Pickles in vinegar
• Pickles in citrus juice or brine
• Pickles in oil

 Points to consider while choosing a packaging material for storing pickles

The spoilage of pickles could be due to microbial contamination or oxidation/rancidity of the oil used in while making pickles. A good package for pickles should have the following attributes:

• Acid resistance
• Excellent protection against light, moisture and oxygen
• Excellent seal integrity for containment
• Aroma retention
• Good aesthetics and appearance

Reference : Indian Centre for Plastic in the Environment; ICPE

 

Table 1 : Comparison of effects of Pickles stored in Plastic containers vs Glass jars 

The Plastic Container: The Pros and Cons

 Advantages of Storing Pickles in Plastic Containers

1. Durable and Light Weight: Plastic containers are lighter than glass jars, which makes them easier to carry and store. Plastic is especially handy when you are making pickles in large quantities or storing them in tight spaces like refrigerators.
   
2. Easy to seal: A tight seal ensures that no air can enter, preventing spoilage and preserve its taste and texture. Plastic containers are easy to seal and can maintain the pickles air tight environment, preventing spoilage. PET plastic containers, when paired with the right sealing wad, could form an even tighter seal.
   
3. Travel Friendly: In India, it’s common to carry pickles while traveling by train or bus. For students living away from home in hostels, homemade pickles are a cherished item they bring back with them after visiting family. Plastic containers are ideal for this, as they are lightweight, durable, and convenient for travel.
   
   
4. Cost-Effective: Plastic is generally cheaper to produce and purchase than glass, which makes plastic containers an economical choice for households and businesses. They are often more affordable, making them a common choice for many.
   
5. Less Likely to Break: Unlike glass jars, which can easily break if dropped, plastic containers are more durable and less prone to cracking. This quality makes them a safer option, especially in households with children or during transportation.

Disadvantages of Storing Pickles in Plastic Containers

1. Chemical Leaching: As pickles are acidic in nature, one of the most common concerns about plastic is the possibility of chemicals leaching. Some plastics, especially those made with certain kinds of polymers, can react with acidic foods like pickles, potentially causing harmful substances to seep into the pickles. This is especially a concern with lower-quality plastics or containers that aren’t intended for food storage.
   
2. Less-Ecofriendly: Plastic is not as environmentally friendly as glass, which can be recycled more easily. The increasing use of single-use plastics has raised concerns about their environmental impact, especially when not disposed of properly.

The science behind it: What happens when you store pickles in plastic containers?

The acidity in pickles may cause a reaction with certain types of plastic. Specifically, plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are more commonly used in food storage and are considered safe for storing most foods. PET plastic is a food-safe material, commonly used for packaging food materials. It does not leach harmful chemicals into the food, ensuring that the pickles remain safe and uncontaminated.
However, if pickles are stored in containers made from low-quality plastic, harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) may leach into the food. Research from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has shown that BPA can create health issues. However, the EFSA guidelines also suggest that plastic containers made with BPA-free materials are generally safe for storing pickles, as long as they’re used properly.
Reference : European Legislation on usage of plastic material

 

FSSAI Guidelines for Storing Pickles 

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products, including pickles. According to FSSAI guidelines, food-grade plastic containers are allowed for storing pickles, as long as they meet the standards for safety.

FSSAI recommends using containers made from materials that are safe for food storage, such as food-grade polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP).
Containers should be properly sealed, kept away from direct sunlight, and stored in a cool place to avoid spoilage.
It's also important to ensure that containers are thoroughly cleaned before use to prevent contamination.

 Suggestive packaging by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• Glass bottle with metal caps or plastic (polypropylene (PP) or High-density polyethylene (HDPE) caps.
• Plastic rigid container (jar) made of either High density polyethylene (HDPE) or Co-extruded structure with Plastic (polypropylene (PP) or High-density polyethylene (HDPE) caps.
• Stand up Pouch made up of Plastic based structure made of either polyethylene (PE) or Laminated structure
• Flexible Plastic pouch.
• Plastic jar (Co-extruded) with metal caps.
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) or Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Punnets

Reference: Food Safety and Standards Packaging Regulations

 Conclusion: Can Indian Achaar be stored in plastic containers?

So, after looking at both sides, it is clear that pickles can be stored in plastic containers as long as they meet safety standards and are used correctly. If you choose to use plastic containers, make sure they are food-grade plastic (like polyethylene, polypropylene or PET), BPA-free, and properly sealed. Keep them away from sunlight, and store them in a cool place to maintain the pickle’s freshness.
While glass containers remain the traditional choice, plastic containers are perfectly fine for storing pickles, offering convenience, durability, and preventing spoilage. Just ensure you are following safety guidelines and using quality materials to avoid any risks associated with plastic. 

So, go ahead, enjoy those delicious Homemade Pickles whether they’re in glass or plastic!

-Yashita Choudhary
Food Technologist