Back then, we used to say microwaves and plastic were a bad match. But later when microwaveable plastic containers were introduced we switched to them for the sake of time and convenience. It has become a common practice to use plastic Tupperware in households. However, some people are still concerned and have questions about the safety of microwaving plastic raising the question “Can You Microwave Plastic Tupperware?”.
Well, the answer is not as simple as yes and no. There are several dangers associated with the usage of plastic in the kitchen. Microwaveable plastic guidelines show that there is a difference between normal plastic and the one that can be used to heat leftovers in the microwave. So let’s dive into this to learn about the safety guidelines for choosing safe plastic for microwaving!
What is Tupperware plastic?
Tupperware containers are made up of plastic that is safe to be used in the microwave. The products are BPA-free which means they do not contain any trace of Bisphenol-A. If you reheat food in a container that has BPA content in it, you can develop serious health issues. So while using any plastic Tupperware you must check the bottom of the container to see if it is BPA-free or not.
Is it Safe to Heat Plastic in the Microwave?
The main concern about heating the plastic in the microwave is the chemicals in the plastic that can leach into the beverages and food. And the most toxic chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of plastic include Bisphenol-A and Phthalates. These chemicals are used in the manufacturing of plastic in order to increase flexibility and durability.
Unfortunately, BPA has several adverse effects on the human body. It is said to disturb the body’s hormonal balance and increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, and infertility. This is why it is always suggested to use BPA-free microwave containers.
Microwave Safety Guidelines
Certain microwave safety guidelines must be followed while using a plastic container in the microwave.
- First of all, you must read the manufacturer’s instructions on microwaving plastic containers to avoid the melting of plastic containers in the microwave.
- Plastic Tupperware must be heated at the recommended temperature and duration for the microwaving.
- You must check the bottom of the plastic container to see if it is BPA-free to avoid potential hazards.
- Never heat the food in regular plastic containers like margarine tubs that are not labeled as microwave-safe.
Potential Risks of Plastic Food Storage and Microwaving
There are several potential risks of plastic food storage and microwaving if you are not using BPA-free microwave containers.
- You must know that there is a release of harmful chemicals during microwaving when you are heating the food in a plastic container. A study found that heating food in plastic containers causes the migration of plasticizers out of plastic and into the food. This results in undesirable health effects.
- If you are microwaving food in a low-quality plastic container then you are also compromising the food safety and the quality. This is why we are emphasizing the BPA-free microwave containers as they are safe.
- Not only your health, but plastic can negatively impact millions of other people’s lives by altering natural processes and spreading toxic chemicals.
- If you microwave a container without looking at the safe symbol, the container might start melting and you will see a fluid leaking out of your microwave. So always make sure to use microwave-safe plastic containers.
Alternatives to Microwaving Plastic Tupperware
- Using glass or ceramic containers as safe alternatives to plastic that is not BPA-free. However, if the safe symbol is mentioned at the bottom of the container then it is safe to use.
- Moreover, there are several eco-friendly and reusable options for heating and storage of food like mason jars.
FAQs on Can you Microwave Plastic Tupperware
How do I know if a plastic container is microwave safe?
Manufacturers add a symbol at the bottom of every container that is safe to be used in the microwave. The symbol shows that the plastic container does not contain BPA so you can use it to reheat and cook food in the microwave.
Is it safe to microwave in a plastic container?
It is safe to microwave food in certain plastic containers but not all of them. Certain plastic containers contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates that are not microwave-safe. So you must use only those containers that are safe to be used in the microwave and have a safe symbol on them.
Is it OK to put hot food in plastic containers?
No, you must not put hot food directly in plastic containers that are not microwave-safe. When you put the hot food or beverage in the container it is most likely that the container will melt.
How do you reheat food in plastic containers?
You simply have to transfer the food into the container. Then you can set the time and duration on the microwave and put the food into the container. That’s all your food will be reheated in no time.
Can plastic Tupperware be microwaved?
Yes, the plastic Tupperware that has the microwave-safe symbol on it can be used without a second thought. However, according to the manufacturers, there are certain Tupperware container that does contain BPA and are not microwave-safe.
How do I know if my Tupperware is microwavable?
You can look for the microwave safe symbol at the bottom of the plastic container. If there is one that means your container is microwaveable and BPA-free.
Which plastics are microwave safe?
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is microwave-safe. They can be heated at up to 266 Fahrenheit without any distortion. These HDPE containers are the best microwave containers for food. They are used by most restaurants and food service markets for food storage purposes.
Outlook
In conclusion, heating, reheating, or cooking food in the microwave is a common practice in every household. So regarding the plastic container, you must make an informed choice that the plastic container that you are using is microwave-safe.
By ensuring safe reheating with plastic containers, you’ll be able to prioritise your health. The containers that are not BPA-free can cause the spoilage of the food. So if you don’t want to risk your health you have to make sure that you are using BPA-free microwave containers!
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Written By Gemma Wilson
Gemma is an expert at writing about how appliances are made and how to use them. She can tell you how to choose the best appliances for your needs and how to take care of them properly. She can also give helpful tips on how to fix and troubleshoot appliances and give advice on how to choose the most energy-efficient ones.