Which metal is considered safest for food containers and is widely used?

The safest metal for food containers that is widely used is aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and does not impart its flavor to food, making it an ideal choice for various food packaging and storage applications. It can be easily formed into containers and is recyclable, adding to its safety profile by reducing environmental impact.

Tin, while historically used in food containers, has largely been replaced by aluminum due to advancements in packaging technology and concerns regarding the safety of tin products over time. Silver and nickel, on the other hand, are not typically used for food containers because silver is often too expensive and can raise issues of flavor transfer, while nickel can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and isn't suitable for direct food contact in most applications.