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VERIFY: Is It Safe To Microwave Food In Plastic Containers?

Do plastics truly release toxins in your food when heated?

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) – It’s arguably the fastest way to re-heat a meal: pop it in the microwave and let the appliance do its magic.

But with the convenience, comes the age-old debate: is it safe to microwave food in plastic containers?

Viewer Karen Lewis reached out 13News Now, saying she is a stickler for ensuring that she or others don’t use plastic containers to heat food in the microwave, especially those labeled not BPA free.

She asked us to verify: do plastics truly release toxins in your food when heated?

To better understand whether BPA is truly harmful, let’s first break down what it is. BPA is a chemical component found in polycarbonate plastic, which is used when making certain drink and food containers. Look for a triangle with the number "7" in it on the bottom of the plastic container; that signifies that BPA may have been used in its manufacturing.

According to the FDA, small amounts of BPA may migrate from the packaging to the food, especially when heat is involved.

So we can verify, FDA research shows toxins can be released into your food from non-BPA free containers.

But is it really that dangerous? The FDA says not really.

In fact, studies by the organization’s National Center for Toxicological Research has shown that low-dose exposure to BPA has no effect on people.

If you want to be extra careful, the FDA recommends you use a BPA free, or glass container when microwaving and storing your food.

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