Rubbermaid · Disposable Food Containers
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Special-Edition Americana Food Storage Container Set
Lower concern, polypropylene food storage unlikely to contain PFAS.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are standard polypropylene containers with no known PFAS-containing coatings. No brand PFAS disclosure exists, but material type suggests lower risk than treated cookware.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Polypropylene (PP) plastic containers
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Microplastic shedding when heated
Repeated microwaving and thermal cycling can cause slow degradation and microscopic particle release, though not recognized as a documented public health risk at household use levels. Staying within label temperature limits (avoid overheating) reduces this theoretical concern.
Off-gassing or odor (non-chemical)
New PP containers sometimes emit a mild plastic odor that fades within days to weeks; this is a normal volatilization of processing residue, not a chemical hazard, but odor persistence beyond a month may signal additives or mold and warrants replacement.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
BPA & bisphenols
Polypropylene does not contain bisphenol A or bisphenol S by formulation. No evidence of leaching in normal food storage use has been reported for Rubbermaid TakeAlongs or comparable PP containers.
Source: FDA ↗Phthalate plasticizers
PP does not require phthalates for flexibility; they are not present in food-grade polypropylene. This hazard class does not apply to this material.
Pigment or colorant toxicity
The Americana special edition uses colored PP, which may contain synthetic organic dyes or mineral pigments. No specific recalls or safety complaints are on record for this product, and FDA-approved colorants in PP are considered safe for food contact.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These containers are polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic polymer rated as one of the safer food-contact plastics because it does not contain BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors by formulation. PP has a higher melting point (around 130°C/266°F) than many other food-use plastics, making it suitable for warm (not hot) foods and microwave reheating within label limits. The material is inert under normal household storage and does not leach monomers or oligomers into food at room temperature or during brief heating. Rubbermaid's food storage lines typically use virgin PP resin with minimal additives disclosed in available safety data.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid (Newell Brands) does not publish detailed ingredient or additive transparency documents for food storage containers, which is typical for the category but limits independent verification of exact colorant or stabilizer packages. The brand has no formal recalls on record for this product line related to chemical leaching or degradation. Rubbermaid has faced no major regulatory enforcement actions specific to food storage toxicity. The company maintains FDA compliance for food-contact plastics but does not volunteer third-party testing certificates for consumer review.
How it compares in its category
PP food storage is a middle-tier choice: safer than recycled PET (code 1) or older polycarbonate, but less disclosed than glass alternatives. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs occupy a mainstream market position alongside Ziploc, Pyrex, and OXO; their opacity and durability are competitive advantages, but the lack of active PFAS or BPA statements aligns them with industry baseline rather than premium safety positioning. Most comparable PP containers show identical hazard profiles: low chemical risk, moderate heat limits, normal degradation under UV or repeated thermal stress.
If you buy it
Follow Rubbermaid's printed guidance: avoid temperatures above 100°C (212°F) and direct contact with high-heat stovetop or oven elements; microwave on medium power only. Replace containers if cracks, cloudiness, or persistent odors develop, as these signal polymer degradation and potential microleaching. Wash by hand or on the hot cycle in a dishwasher; avoid abrasive scouring pads that thin the plastic. Store away from direct sunlight and strong solvents (vinegar on occasion is acceptable; chlorine or acetone are not). These containers typically last 3-5 years with normal use before replacement is prudent.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Rubbermaid has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.