Please Don't Microwave in Plastic!!!
If you have been microwaving your food in plastic containers please STOP AND READ before putting anything else in there!!!
When plastics are labeled as microwave safe it doesn't mean they will not leach chemicals; what it means is that the plastic container is not going to bubble and melt. It means that it is unlikely that someone will suffer burns from melting plastic. There are additional risks that exists and we will discuss them below.
When you microwave your food in plastic bowls or other food containers you are putting yourself and your family at risk for plastics contaminate exposure due to chemicals leaching into your food from the plastics as a result of the heating process. Plastics such as plastic bags, margarine containers, foam trays, and plastic wraps were never intended for the microwave at all and should also be avoided.
We are going to focus on four specific endocrine disruptors - Phthalates, BPA, Polystyrene (Styrofoam) and PVCs can be found in food trays, egg cartons, carryout containers, and plastic cutlery.
Phthalates, PVC, and Polystyrene are compounds known to create reproductive issues, neurobehavioral problems in infants, hypertension, cancer, and insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) and other BPS chemicals have been linked to numerous health concerns including: decreased fertility, obesity, asthma, cancer, heart disease, and oxidative stress. Additionally studies have found that BPA was released when exposed to heat in dishwashers.
With all of that it is important to say that since you can not see, smell, or taste the degradation of the chemical bonds in plastic it is better to leave them alone all together. Glass jars or covered dishes are excellent for food storage and can be safely used to reheat food in the microwave. If you are looking for some plastic alternatives please visit the Kitchen collection in our store.