Are plastic bags safe to use in the microwave?

By Susan Brewer, Ph.D., University of Illinois,
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

 
Microwaveable cooking bags will be specified and sold as such. Read the package label. In general, plastic sandwich bags, produce bags. and bread bags should not be used in the microwave. They melt and can allow compounds and ink to leach into the food. Also, if the food is wrapped in air-tight, impermeable plastic, when the water in the food vaporizes and expands as steam, it can cause a great deal of pressure inside the film. The film may rupture during cooking, spraying food/liquid all over the inside of the microwave or the pressure may not be released until you disturb it (touch it to take it out, try to remove the film, etc.), in which case it can burn you.
 
Source(s):
Food Domain, A Comprehensive Resource. “Can you safely microwave vegetables in plastic storage bags?”
http://www.fooddomain.msu.edu/consumer_faq_cooking.htm#6
 
Link(s):
Food Domain, A Comprehensive Resource. “Can you safely microwave vegetables in plastic storage bags?”
http://www.fooddomain.msu.edu/consumer_faq_cooking.htm#6