Are any plastic wraps or containers really “microwave safe”?

You’ll find answers that say “yes” or “no,” depending upon which Internet site you read. The fear is that chemicals used in making plastics (plasticizers) can migrate into the food. However, says food scientist Joe Regenstein, these are approved for that purpose.  Chemicals called dioxins are most feared since they’re known to be highly toxic. The opposing views on this subject may leave one feeling that more research needs to be done.  Meanwhile, you may choose to avoid microwaving plastics. At least, take these widely recommended precautions:

1) Don’t microwave using any plastic container or wrap that is not labeled “microwave safe.”  Those products have met rigorous government standards. Don’t use unmarked takeout containers, water bottles, or plastic tubs for microwaving. Most of these are not microwave safe.  

2) As the plastic wrap carton tells you, plastic should be at least 1 inch from the food, not touching it. Saran Wrap is fine if it’s not touching the food, says food scientist Dr.  Catherine Cutter. About.com says that Saran Wrap has been reformulated so that it no longer contains any substances that could release dioxin.

Our experience has been that it’s not so easy to control the placement of plastic wrap. It may slip down and touch the food.  Why not just put a ceramic plate or bowl over food going into the microwave?  You can also cover the food with paper toweling. 

3) Don’t save and reuse the plastic trays that come with frozen meals.  These are intended for one-time use.  The plastic may not be stable enough to withstand a second heating.

4) Don’t microwave carry-out foods in the plastic or foam containers from the restaurant. Most of these are not microwave safe. It doesn’t take more than a few seconds to move food from a plastic container to a ceramic or paper bowl, so why not be conservative and do it?

Source(s):

Catherine Nettles Cutter, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, Dept. of Food Science

The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide  “Microwaving food in plastic: Dangerous or Not?” 

www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0706a.shtml

plasticsinfo.org “FAQs: Using Plastics in the Microwave”

http://www.plasticsinfo.org/Functional-Nav/FAQs/Plastic-in-Microwave/default.aspx

About.com: Urban Legends “Microwave Ovens, Plastic Wrap and Dioxin – Analysis

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl-microwave-dioxin2.htm

General Guidelines for Wrapping Foods

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What produce needs to be wrapped before refrigerating?

Should I wrap raw vegetables loosely or tightly before refrigerating?

How should fruits be wrapped before refrigeration?

Can I refrigerate meat and poultry in its store wrapping?

How should food be handled and wrapped for freezing?

Using Plastic Wraps, Bags, and Containers

Are some plastic wraps more effective than others?

Can chemicals leach unto food from plastic wrap or containers?

Can I use plastic freezer bags to store produce in the fridge?

Do coated plastic bags really help produce last longer?

Using Aluminum Foil Properly

What are some advantages and disadvantages of aluminum foil?

Does exposure to aluminum cause Alzheimer’s disease?

Does aluminum foil give foods a metallic taste?

Why does foil sometimes darken, discolor, and leave black specks on food?

Will a foil cover help keep foods on the table hot or cold?

Is it safe to use aluminum foil in a microwave oven?