How to know if a tupperware is microwave safe
The study was done with mice and the initial objective was to demonstrate how negative BPA is for them. Their surprise was that, when they were put in contact with alternative plastic materials, the effects were almost as harmful. These substitutes affected the reproduction of these animals in the same way.
A good way to avoid using plastic to heat food is to replace our plastic lunch tupperware we take to work with a glass one. We will have to carry a little more weight in our bag or backpack, but it will be worth it.
Sometimes, however, we find foods that are only sold in plastic wrapping in the supermarket. In that case, we can take them out of that packaging and transfer them to a plate or a glass, porcelain or ceramic container. And from there to the microwave, while we throw the plastic into the yellow container.
Microwave plastic cancer
It is very likely that you have seen yourself in this and other similar situations when heating food in the microwave and that it is still not clear to you what you can and cannot put inside one of the best inventions for those of us who usually eat from a tupper or even cook with it.
2. Trays of expanded polystyrene (Icopor)This type of trays we usually find them as container to pack the meat of the delicatessens or as wrapping of the hamburgers and basically it is composed of plastic, reason why it is not advisable to introduce it in the microwave.
3. ChopsticksThe typical chopsticks used to hold sandwiches, which are the same ones we use to clean our teeth, are made of wood. This material is not suitable for heating in the microwave because it accumulates a lot of heat and ends up igniting like a match in a matter of seconds.
4. Tupperware Yes or no, it depends. On what? On whether the package specifies its use for microwave or food use. It is advisable to insert the container with its lid on top, but without closing it completely.
Which materials should not be microwaved
When certain plastics are heated to certain temperatures, usually above 100°C, they may exude compounds from their treatment or decomposition. These compounds in certain concentrations can be toxic. This is because these components “migrate” from the container to the food, where they can be stored and reach concentrations that are harmful to health. So much for the premise of doubt. Faced with such a scenario, several laboratories have been working for more than a decade to resolve the dilemma.
Is this fear justified? Is it possible for a plastic to transmit hazardous substances to a foodstuff due to heat? Yes. Yes, it is possible. But when does this happen? Quite simply: when plastics are not prepared. A plastic that has not been made specifically for use in the microwave should not be used in the microwave. It’s as simple as that. Why? Could it be harmful? We don’t know. So the best thing to do is not to use it. This is because not all plastics are the same in their basic composition, nor are they obtained in the same way.
Microwave heating with a lid or without a lid.
I’ve read some fairly official looking reports and articles that say there is no danger, but there is some anecdotal evidence that they can melt, which, while seemingly harmless, is not ideal.
@Jolenealaska: No research that has no payoffs, but some articles: health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0706a.shtml , personal.psu.edu/afr3/blogs/siowfa13/2013/11/… , lifehacker.com / what-should-and-shouldnt-i -rowave-1532532172 . As with plastic containers, check labels before microwaving polystyrene; if it is labeled microwave safe, then it should be fine as long as it does not warp or melt. Foams for shipping containers are probably not labeled as food grade or for microwave safety, never use them.
At approximately 200°C, polystyrene will begin to decompose. The main products are styrene and benzaldehyde. Benzaldehyde is a GRAS food additive that can be used to add almonds as flavorings and fragrances to foods. Polystyrene is generally considered quite safe, although I have no idea what that other film that coats most food packaging is made of.