This article explores the dangers of microwaving takeout containers made from various materials, particularly plastic. It highlights the risks associated with polystyrene, polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride, emphasizing that these should never be microwaved. The article also warns against using Styrofoam containers.
This story begins with a tragic tale of woe: After a long evening at a cocktail party, I returned home with a ravenous appetite for melted cheese. Luckily, I had a plastic takeout container of queso in my fridge, so I stuck it in the microwave and hit the start button. But when I opened the door expecting some bubbly dip ready for tortilla chips, I found that the plastic container had melted and the bottom of my microwave was completely coated in sticky queso.
This grievous situation forced me to reevaluate my takeout reheating habits. When is it OK to put plastic takeout containers in the microwave? What about other materials like Styrofoam and cardboard? (If you’ve ever accidentally microwaved a Chinese takeout container with a metal handle, you probably know the answer on that one.)Eager for some answers, I reached out to some food scientists, and here’s what they told me about to-go food vessels and how they survive in a microwave.Had I known more about different types of plastic used to make takeout containers at the time of my queso disaster, I wouldn’t have been as surprised by the sad end result. According to Polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride should never be used in the microwave. Polystyrene contains tiny cells of air that rapidly break down in the microwave,” Le explained.But even if a plastic won’t necessarily melt in the microwave, that doesn’t mean it’s microwave-safe. “Polycarbonate can contain compounds that easily leach into the food after microwaving. While polyvinyl chloride is rarely used in food, microwaving this plastic can release chlorinated compounds,” Le said.Styrofoam can also release chemicals when microwaved. I remember being told not to microwave Styrofoam food containers as a kid, and an article written by doctors atassures the public that those rules still apply: “Styrofoam is a trademarked name for polystyrene, a petroleum-based chemical compound. It’s manufactured from styrene, a volatile colorless liqui
Microwaving Takeout Containers Plastic Styrofoam Food Safety
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dune: Prophecy’s Pieces Are All in Place Ahead of the FinaleEpisode five, “In Blood, Truth,” drops some huge clues about the show's biggest mysteries.
Read more »
A Harsh Truth About 28 Days Later Highlights A Major Flaw In Modern Film & TV ConsumptionCillian Murphy as Jim from 28 Days Later maybe with streaming imagery in the background
Read more »
Todd Spitzer: There’s no truth in sentencing in California anymoreGov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature are holding the door wide open for Lopez, for Cook, and the other convicted felons who walk out the front door of California’s prisons every day.
Read more »
'Dune: Prophecy' 'In Blood, Truth:' Tula plays Frankenstein and Desmond's twisted origins exposedJeff Spry is an award-winning screenwriter and veteran freelance journalist covering TV, movies, video games, books, and comics. His work has appeared at SYFY Wire, Inverse, Collider, Bleeding Cool and elsewhere.
Read more »
10 Lingering Stormlight Archive Questions We Have After Reading Wind And TruthCharles is a full-time features writer who covers movies and television, with expertise in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and Dune.
Read more »
MotoGP News: Francesco Guidotti Reveals the Truth Behind KTM's Winless SeasonKTM's 2024 MotoGP season was marked by unmet expectations and a struggle to find success, leaving fans and the team itself questioning what went wrong. Despite
Read more »