That Health Rules

 I had several direct emails and 2 posted questions in my blog after writing the microwave issue.  So I thought of writing this post for all to read because one way or another… we are users of this important invention of the century.

The common question is: How about the plastic wrap or the cling wrap that we put to cover the food before cooking?  Is it carcinogenic?

The only reputable institution that I trust with concerns for public safety is the US FDA… It is true that some substances from the plastic wrapping do migrate into the food during the reheating process but the amount has been assessed to be within the margin of safety.  And this issue has been revisited several times with the same recommendation of safety up to the present.

Another substance that came up recently is the so called DEHA which is a plasticizer which makes plastics flexible.  The US FDA again has reemphasized that the levels of the plasticizer from the plastic film that might have migrated to the food and as a result consumed by the public use are well below the levels showing no toxic effect in animal studies. 

Likewise claims of plastic containing the substance called Dioxins, labeled as a “likely human carcinogen” by the Environmental Protection Agency has been assessed by the FDA and concluded that there is no evidence to support that plastic containers or films contain dioxins and can’t find any reason to suspect why they would…

Well said! and I guess this settles the issue… but as new evidence arises… definitely will keep you posted!

Here are some recommendations for using plastic covers for microwave reheating:

1. Do not use the plastic carryout containers from restaurants because they may melt or warp, which can increase the likelihood of spills and burns.

2. Discard and do not reuse containers that hold prepared microwavable meals.

3. Microwave-safe plastic wrap should be placed loosely over food so that steam can escape.  It is recommended that the plastic should not touch the food and that there should be at least a one-inch space between the plastic and the food during microwave reheating.

Enjoy Your Microwave

Without Guilt!

This entry was posted on August 2, 2006 at 12:27 am and is filed under General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips.