redsoxgirl
- 1,484
Be Wary of Cooking in Plastic - Is it Safe?
- Thread starter redsoxgirl
- Start date
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- cooking
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread explores participants' concerns and experiences regarding cooking and reheating food in plastic containers, particularly in microwaves. Various viewpoints are shared about the safety of using plastic in cooking and the potential health implications associated with it.
Discussion Character
- Opinion-based
- Anecdotal
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses concern about heating plastic, suggesting it may leach chemicals into food.
- Another participant mentions that research indicates no proven issues with microwaving plastic, citing high regulations in the plastic industry.
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their family's practice of avoiding microwaving and storing food in plastic due to health concerns.
- Another participant states they are less worried about microwaving in plastic compared to the overall chemicals in food and cleaning products.
- One participant indicates a personal aversion to plastic, preferring glass and other materials, without linking it to health concerns.
- Several participants express skepticism about the reliability of research funded by plastic companies, drawing parallels to historical tobacco industry practices.
- One participant mentions they do not use a microwave at all and emphasizes personal choice and research in making decisions about food safety.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ significantly among participants regarding the safety of cooking with plastic, with some expressing strong concerns while others reference research suggesting it is safe. No clear consensus emerges on the topic.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences and opinions, reflecting a range of attitudes towards plastic use in cooking and the perceived health risks associated with it.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants interested in community perspectives on cooking practices and health-related discussions may find this thread relevant.
climbercanoe3
- 415
I know this is another controversial subject. I remember reading an email about that recently and looked it up on snopes.com. They said that there is no proven truth that there is a problem microwaving with plastic. They did state that plastic companies have very high regulations on their products.
Here is the link to read it yourself:Urban Legends Reference Pages: Microwaving Plastic Releases Cancer-Causing Agents
Here is the link to read it yourself:Urban Legends Reference Pages: Microwaving Plastic Releases Cancer-Causing Agents
jcwarr
- 320
plastici do not microwave anything in plastic. i have some info about it that i cannot access at the moment - but when i can i will post it here. no one in my family microwaves in plastic anymore and many do not store food in plastic anymore either. so - no, i do not think you are crazy! 
i think we are all crazy if we don't believe that all the chemicals in our lives are not affecting our health.
i think we are all crazy if we don't believe that all the chemicals in our lives are not affecting our health.
allisonserna
- 207
ChefBeckyD
Gold Member
- 20,320
Re: plastic
I totally agree on this point.....but I'm not quite as concerned about microwaving in plastic as I am about all of the chemicals in our food and water....and all of the cleaning products we use every day.
That being said - the only plastic piece I use in the Micro is my microcooker. I use prep bowls and stoneware for most things.
If you look on CC under Products and Recipes, you will see PC's official response to this question regarding microwaving in plastic.
jcwarr said:i do not microwave anything in plastic. i have some info about it that i cannot access at the moment - but when i can i will post it here. no one in my family microwaves in plastic anymore and many do not store food in plastic anymore either. so - no, i do not think you are crazy!
I totally agree on this point.....but I'm not quite as concerned about microwaving in plastic as I am about all of the chemicals in our food and water....and all of the cleaning products we use every day.
That being said - the only plastic piece I use in the Micro is my microcooker. I use prep bowls and stoneware for most things.
If you look on CC under Products and Recipes, you will see PC's official response to this question regarding microwaving in plastic.
jcwarr
- 320
Ann F
Gold Member
- 680
I've never liked plastic. Just one of my weird traits. Has nothing to do with cancer; I've been like this as long as I can remember. Glasses, plates, mugs, tupperware, generic tupperware, etc. I've never mentioned micro-cookers or Rice Cooker plus in my shows because I've never used them...They sell anyway!
gingertannery
Gold Member
- 545
How about this.. I don't even use the microwave.... We do need to be aware of what we do and how we do it. It is up to you to take care of yourself!! That is my choice... You are free to choose what you want to do. Just do plenty of research.. And beware of snopes. I have seen 3 things on there that are not true. Does anyone know who pays for the research snopes does?? I guess I sound so radical. I don't mean to.. LOL I always look at the researchers.. It is hard for me to believe say.. plastic is ok when the plactics companies pay for that research that says it is ok. Kinda what the tobacco companies did for years. You should never feel bad about checking out potential problems for you and your family.
peichef
- 1,200
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cook with plastic containers in the microwave?
Cooking with plastic containers in the microwave can be safe if the containers are labeled as microwave-safe. However, it's essential to avoid using plastic that is not designed for high temperatures, as it can release harmful chemicals when heated.
What are the risks of using plastic cookware?
Using plastic cookware can pose risks such as the leaching of harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into food, especially when exposed to high heat. Over time, plastic can also degrade, leading to potential contamination.
Are there specific types of plastic to avoid when cooking?
Yes, it's best to avoid plastics labeled with recycling codes 3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) and 7 (other), as they may contain harmful additives. Instead, opt for plastics labeled with recycling codes 1 (PETE), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), or 5 (PP), which are generally considered safer for food use.
What alternatives to plastic cookware are safer for cooking?
Safer alternatives to plastic cookware include stainless steel, glass, and ceramic. These materials do not leach chemicals and can withstand higher temperatures, making them better choices for cooking and food storage.
How can I tell if my plastic cookware is safe?
To determine if your plastic cookware is safe, check for a label indicating it is BPA-free and microwave-safe. Additionally, look for recycling codes on the bottom of the container; codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally safer options for food use.
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