There are several factors that are involved when answering this question about microwave plates. You have to take a look at both the physical as well as the chemical aspects.
If your microwave container isn’t microwave-proof, you will immediately know it, as it will be extremely hot to the touch after taking it out. If this happens, you have possibly polluted your food, ruined the container, and may suffer a serious burn.
The second threat is much more of a risk because the elements that make up plastic can have different characteristics and they may all have a different outcome when placed in the microwave. So it is literally impossible to mention every single threat.
The rapid change in the technology of plastic makes it quite difficult to get a good grasp on our safety when it comes to its different elements and even the USDA finds it quite difficult to inform the consumers. So how can you guarantee your safety with all of these changes in regards to plastic and microwave safety?
The one thing that people should be most concerned with that is contained in certain plastic microwave plates is the by-product “endocrine disruptors”. This chemical by-product has been known to cause birth defects and cause an imbalance with the hormones. Foods that are high in fat are at greater risk for receiving some of these chemicals and can potentially transmit them to you.
The bottom line is to not be so quick to re-heat take out items or foods in plastic containers without doing some research behind your container. You can’t go wrong with plastic microwave plates that have already been approved by the FDA with products that are labeled to be safe for microwave use.
Some more tips concerning microwave safety
- Take out any food left in the container and reheat it only in a microwave safe plate.
- When heating up food, make sure not to have plastic wrap come in contact with your food.
- Do not reuse the frozen dinner microwaveable trays
- An item that is completely safe to use is wax paper or any waxed container.