The 'Shocking' Truth Behind the Habit of Heating Food in Plastic Containers

Some plastic containers are not designed to heat food in the microwave - Photo: FREEPIK

According to Eating Well , some plastic containers are not designed to store food for a long time, and should not be put in the microwave to heat food if you do not want to get sick.

Should you heat food in the microwave using plastic containers ?

Research shows that of more than 13,000 chemicals involved in the production and use of plastics across many sectors, there are 10 groups that pose serious concerns due to their high toxicity and ability to migrate or spread from plastic products.

Many plastic containers are not designed to be reused, according to Lisa Yakas, a microbiologist and senior manager of product certification at NSF, an independent organization that tests, evaluates, and certifies a wide range of products, including food storage items.

So it's best to use it only once and then recycle it or use it for something else unrelated to food.

“A good rule of thumb is to always check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if your plastic container is microwave-safe,” says Yakas. “Otherwise, there’s a risk that it could leach harmful chemicals into your food.”

“For example, takeout containers from restaurants are not designed to be reused,” says Yakas. The NSF recommends transferring leftovers to a microwave-safe plate or bowl before heating, rather than using restaurant containers.

Don't forget to replace the plastic box.

If you want to continue using plastic containers, look for the "Certified for Home Use" label on the product label or on the bottom of the container. This certification ensures that the containers (whether glass, ceramic, metal, plastic, or rubber) are easy to clean and made from materials that are safe for the home.

Even if the container is certified, you'll still need to replace it after a while. "If the container has old stains, throw it away, as deep stains and scratches can harbor bacteria and retain odors," Yakas says. "Stains can also indicate that the plastic has absorbed ingredients from food, increasing the risk of chemical leaching, especially when used in the microwave."

You might consider switching to glass containers for food storage. In addition to being safe to use in the microwave, glass containers also have the advantage of being extremely durable.

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