Plastic and Food

Writing about plastics, I couldn’t help thinking about my grandfather.  He used to get so excited talking about how good his buttered, cling-film-wrapped and microwaved corn on the cob was. 

Some plastics break down and leach toxins when heated with food (see What Plastic is What).  The Mayo Clinic states that “it’s important to following general safety guidelines when you’re heating food in the microwave. For example:

• Use microwave-safe containers. Use containers or wraps specifically labeled as ‘microwave-safe.’ Don’t use margarine tubs, carryout containers, or paper or plastic grocery bags.
• Check product labels. When you heat packaged foods, follow the microwave instructions printed on the label. If instructions aren’t given, transfer the food to a plate or container that you know is microwave-safe.
• Don’t allow plastic wrap to touch the food. Leave a small gap between the plastic wrap and the food while it’s being heated.”

Not all plastics have been shown to leach, but personally, I’m a huge fan of Pyrex. Goes in the oven, in the microwave, and has lids so no plastic wrap necessary.  I especially like the cool vintage stuff.  (Ok, I know that there are those of you out there who are against microwaves, but I’m just not that excited about cooking to make that leap yet.)

Plastic baby bottles have been making the news lately, and, given that pretty much every one I know is having babies right now, I thought these recommendationsfrom Environmental Working Group (EWG) might be helpful.

Photo by madaise.