Are Plastics Safe

Are Plastics Safe in the Microwave?

For years, the Internet has circulated stories about the hazards of chemicals in plastics leaching into foods cooked in the microwave. They prevent food splatters, hold food such as frozen foods, and even generate heat such as the plastic metalized film in microwave popcorn bags.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all plastic substances for food use. Because they are classified as "food contact substances", they must be found safe for the intended use before they reach the grocery store. As part of this approval process, FDA considers the amount of substance that may leach into food and the toxicological concerns relating to that substance. All current regulated plastics have been found to be well within the margin of safety.

The chemical DEHA (diethylhexyl adipate) is a plasticizer that has received a lot of attention. DEHA makes plastics flexible. Exposure to DEHA may occur in fatty foods such as cheese and meat that are wrapped in plastic. The levels consumed however, are well below the toxic levels studied by FDA.

Another claim about plastics is that they contain dioxins. Dioxins are a group of contaminants labeled as a "likely human carcinogen" by the Environmental Protection Agency. The FDA has not found evidence that plastic containers or films contain dioxins.

Plastics should be used for their intended purpose and in accordance with the directions. If a plastic is not labeled for microwave use, it should not be used. For example, margarine tubs and restaurant carry out containers are not microwaveable. They may melt or warp. Microwavable meal containers are intended to be use one time and thrown away.

IAlways read directions, but generally, microwave safe products include microwavable plastic wrap, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, glass, and white microwave-safe paper towels. Never use plastic storage bags, grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in the microwave.

Source: FDA Consumer, November-December 2002

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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.
TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868

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		Are Plastics Safe in the Microwave?
		For years, the Internet has circulated stories about the hazards of chemicals in plastics leaching into foods cooked in the microwave. They prevent food splatters, hold food such as frozen foods, and even generate heat such as the plastic metalized film in microwave popcorn bags. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all plastic substances for food use. Because they are classified as "food contact substances", they must be found safe for the intended use before they reach the grocery store. As part of this approval process, FDA considers the amount of substance that may leach into food and the toxicological concerns relating to that substance. All current regulated plastics have been found to be well within the margin of safety. The chemical DEHA (diethylhexyl adipate) is a plasticizer that has received a lot of attention. DEHA makes plastics flexible. Exposure to DEHA may occur in fatty foods such as cheese and meat that are wrapped in plastic. The levels consumed however, are well below the toxic levels studied by FDA. Another claim about plastics is that they contain dioxins. Dioxins are a group of contaminants labeled as a "likely human carcinogen" by the Environmental Protection Agency. The FDA has not found evidence that plastic containers or films contain dioxins. Plastics should be used for their intended purpose and in accordance with the directions. If a plastic is not labeled for microwave use, it should not be used. For example, margarine tubs and restaurant carry out containers are not microwaveable. They may melt or warp. Microwavable meal containers are intended to be use one time and thrown away. IAlways read directions, but generally, microwave safe products include microwavable plastic wrap, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, glass, and white microwave-safe paper towels. Never use plastic storage bags, grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in the microwave. Source: FDA Consumer, November-December 2002
		All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension. TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868