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Plastic Container Microwave Safety

The safety of plastic containers in the microwave is a topic of some controversy. Although some plastic containers are labeled specifically as safe to use in the microwave, there is new information about the leaching of bisphenol-A, or BPA, from polycarbonate plastics.

  1. Types

    • When microwaving food in plastic containers, make sure that you only use containers that are specifically labeled as microwave safe and follow the heating instructions for the food being cooked.

    Usage

    • Some containers from take-out restaurants are labeled as one-time use only in the microwave and should not be reused.

    Warning

    • BPA has recently received much media attention because of its toxicity. Microwaving plastic that contains BPA allows the chemical to leach into food at dangerous levels.

    Identification

    • Plastics marked with recycling mark number 7 contain the highest amounts of BPA and should be avoided, especially for microwave use.

    Alternatives

    • If you are concerned about chemicals leaching from plastic containers in the microwave, transfer your food to a glass or ceramic container before heating.

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