Recyled Plastics That Are Not Good to Use in the Microwave

Commercial Food Containers

• Water bottles, yogurt cups or any other container made from recycled plastic to store food for purchase should probably not be microwaved. These products have not been tested to determine if they are safe for use in the microwave, and may melt or become deformed at high temperatures. The chemical diethylhexyl adipate, a plasticizer used in the production of plastic, may leach out of plastic containers that were not designed for microwave use, potentially contaminating food.

Take Out Containers

• Take out containers made from recycled plastic can also melt or leach plasticizers into food. Unless the container is specifically labeled as microwave-safe, remove food and reheat it in a microwave-safe container. Any container designed for one time use should not be heated in the microwave.

Considerations

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strict guidelines for plastics manufactured for food use. Recycled plastics labeled as safe for microwave use have been tested to ensure that they won't melt or leak chemicals. A recycled plastic container that lacks the microwave safe label may actually be safe to microwave, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but it hasn't been tested.

General Recommendations

• Any recycled plastic container that lacks the microwave safe label is potentially problematic when used in the microwave. If you're concerned about the safety of recycled plastic in the microwave, use only containers that are labeled as microwave safe or use glass instead. Open plastic containers slightly to vent them before heating and use paper towels or lids to cover food instead of plastic wrap.