Question

Plastic Highest Temperature Microwave Safe? Safe with All Foods? Cost FLPE 400 No No High PMP 347 Yes Yes High PP 275 Yes Yes Low LDPE 176 No Yes Low What is the best type of plastic to use in the kitchen? What is the worst type? Support your choices with details.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. The highest temperature in microwave for reheating depends on the manufacturers, but a study shows that it can reach up to 191oC for reheating and up to 200oC for cooking [4]. Microwave-safe plastics are those being able to withstand without smelting.

2. Microwaving food in plastic can cause chemicals to leach to food. Migration is likely to be greater with fatty food such as cheese and meat.

3. The best types of plastic for kitchen are those don't contain phthalates (polyvinyle chloride) and bisphenol A (polycarbonate). By contrast, the worst contain one of the two.[1][2][3]

 

Explanation:

Phthalates and bisphenol A are endocrine disrupters, both are known as reproductive toxicants. So if you use plastic in microwave, choose the ones with microwave-safe label. It's because they must pass a strict safety test by FDA to come to the market.[1][2]

References:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-plastic-a-threat-to-your-health
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-eating/microwaving-food-in-plastic-dangerous-or-not
3. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html#:~:text=Phthalates%20are%20used%20widely%20in,tubing%2C%20and%20some%20children's%20toys.
4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02652039009373940