I keep hearing lately in the news a lot about plastic containers not being as safe as once thought (and only 15% are ever actually recycled - we do recycle). We buy a lot of Ozarka for soccer practices, etc. because it's convenient, but I'm starting to phase that out and move back to the refillable water bottles. Easy enough

I'm also hearing about it not being safe to microwave food in plastic containers. But I'm confused on this one. It's PCBs or something in the plastic that when heated isn't safe. DH takes his lunch every day and microwaves in plastic containers - some microwave safe (Ziploc containers), some just plastic cheese or cool whip bowls.

I decided to go ahead and buy a microwavable divided plate to start using for his lunches. I went to WalMart and I found 2. One said it was microwave safe, but was made in China, which is questionable in itself. The other for $1 more was made in USA, but did not say it was microwave safe.

So, long story to get to my question - how do you know which plastic is safe and which isn't? What should we be using? There is no "ingredient" list so you know what's in the plastic. I'm confused as to what to buy. I have some specific microwave dishes, but they don't have sealed lids, so they would not work for his lunches.

Lisa

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"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

Melamine, the sort of plastic that sounds a bit like porcelain if you tap it, and is very hard, isn't microwave safe. Neither is some very thin plastic. Other than that, I've never been sure.

The scare with plastics right now is BPA, found in polycarbonate (like Nalgene, or baby bottles). Bisphenol A - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I'm currently trying to replace our water bottles, and chose to order glass baby bottles, rather than buying plastic ones from Target.

BPA, PCB - I knew it was some letters with a P!!

So I guess if it says microwave safe on it, then it's ok? Like the Ziploc containers?

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

If it says it's safe, it should be okay. If you zap it and it gets sort of squishy, or hot, don't do that again. You can always heat up some water so you don't waste food. Then again, there are enough people who don't think it's safe to microwave ANY plastic, so if you decide to do a web search, prepare to be alarmed. I'm a bit of a flake, but I do microwave plastic.

Maybe this will help

Simple Steps

Caution for Cooks - Organic Food, Organic Living - OrganicAuthority.com says:



Cook or reheat foods in containers intended for microwave use such as microwaveable, glass and ceramic cookware. These containers are designed to withstand high temperatures.
Remove food from store wrapping before thawing or reheating in a microwave oven (unless the manufacturer has indicated that it's meant for microwave use). Some containers will melt or warp when the food gets hot.
Don't use cold-food packages (restaurant carryout containers, butter tubs, cottage cheese containers, foam meat trays) in the microwave. They will melt in the microwave.
Finally, when reheating food, place microwave-safe plastic wrap over it, without letting it touch your meal.

"Some plastic wraps have labels indicating that there should be 1" or greater space between the plastic and the food during microwave heating," says Dr. Edward Machuga, a consumer safety officer in the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Always read directions, he advises, adding that microwave-safe plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper and white microwave-safe paper towels are safe to use. Never use plastic storage bags, grocery bags, newspapers or aluminum foil in the microwave.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Your dh could keep a microwaveable bowl at work to nuke and eat food in, and just pack foods in plastic. I think my dh needs to try this. I hate how plastic stains when microwaved in.

Yeah, I suggested that, but he doesn't want to have to wash it each day. He brings them home and puts them in the dishwasher.

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

On the today show, they said to look on the bottom of the container. In the little triangle that's imprinted there, if it has the numbers 3, 6, or 7, don't use it.

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

Thanks for the info,that was a big helpI I have been worried about the plastic cups I make my instant coffee in for a long time ,but now I don't have to worry as I just checked and their lil triangle has a 5 in it.