Is there such a thing as microwave safe plastic containers?
The debate over microwave safe plastic containers is a lively one. What does microwave safe plastic really mean? Does it mean safe for people, or safe for the plastic containers? There is only one thing we know for certain. When a package or container is identified as being microwave safe, it is not going to bubble and melt. It means no one handling the container will suffer a burn from melting plastic. Beyond that, we get into the usual debate between the plastics industry and health advocates. The industry claims that microwave safe plastic containers are food safe. In other words, if you cook, reheat or defrost foods in these containers, you dont have to worry about toxic chemicals leaching into your food. Not so fast. While these industry spokespeople often talk about how the FDA has to approve plastics for use in microwaves, scientists at the FDA talk a very different talk. FDA science policy analyst Catherine Bailey says “When you microwave, it’s a good idea not to have the plast
The debate over microwave safe plastic containers is a lively one. What does microwave safe plastic really mean? Does it mean safe for people, or safe for the plastic containers? There is only one thing we know for certain. When a package or container is identified as being microwave safe, it is not going to bubble and melt. It means no one handling the container will suffer a burn from melting plastic. Beyond that, we get into the usual debate between the plastics industry and health advocates. The industry claims that microwave safe plastic containers are food safe. In other words, if you cook, reheat or defrost foods in these containers, you dont have to worry about toxic chemicals leaching into your food. Not so fast. While these industry spokespeople often talk about how the FDA has to approve plastics for use in microwaves, scientists at the FDA talk a very different talk. FDA science policy analyst Catherine Bailey says “When you microwave, it’s a good idea not to have the plast
