Hits and myths: microwaving food in ordinary plastic containers
Typically made from high-density polyethylene, these containers should be avoided for heating up foods with a high fat and sugar content.
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unless you are using a microwave-safe variety, it is not safe to microwave your food in regular plastic containers and wraps. Dr Alex Ching, a radiologist at Matilda International Hospital, says plastic containers may be safe to hold foods at room temperature, but advises against using them in microwave ovens.
Typically made from high-density polyethylene, these containers should be avoided for heating up foods with a high fat and sugar content.
Avoid using plastic containers such as those used for takeaways in the microwave
Such foods may reach temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius in the microwave, and the high temperature can cause the plastic chemicals to break down and leach out, thereby contaminating the food in the container.
Microwaveable or microwave-safe containers are commonly made from polypropylene and crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (CPET). These materials have high melting points (above 200 degrees) and are therefore safe, says Ching.