The microwave safe symbol is a simple way to tell if a food or container is safe for the microwave. It’s a three-part symbol with a wave on top and two lines underneath. If you see this symbol on a product, it means that the product has been tested and found to be safe for microwaving.
You’ll find the microwave-safe symbol on all kinds of products, from food containers to plastic wrap. When in doubt, look for the symbol. If you see it, you’ll know that the product is safe to use in your microwave.
What materials are microwave safe?
Most glass, plastic, and ceramic containers are safe to use in the microwave. These materials won’t absorb microwaves, so they won’t get hot. If you’re not sure if a container is microwave-safe, look for the microwave-safe symbol.
You can also test whether a container is microwave-safe by microwaving it with a cup of water. If the container is warm but the water is hot, it’s safe to use in the microwave.
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not microwave food or container unless you’re sure it’s safe.
Now that you know what the microwave-safe symbol means, you can be sure that your food will be safe to microwaves. When in doubt, look for the symbol. And if you’re ever unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not microwave your food.
Materials to avoid microwaving
In general, it’s best to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, as some plastics can leach chemicals into the food. However, if you do choose to microwave food in plastic containers, be sure to look for containers that are labeled “microwave-safe.” Some plastics that are not safe for microwaving include:
- Polycarbonate (PC) – This type of plastic is often used in water bottles and food storage containers. It contains a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to health problems like fertility issues, cancer, and heart disease.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) – This type of plastic is often used to make food storage bags and plastic wrap. It’s not as likely to leach chemicals into food, but it can release chemicals if it’s heated too much.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) – This type of plastic is often used to make milk jugs and detergent bottles. It’s less likely to leach chemicals into food than other types of plastic, but it can still release chemicals if it’s heated too much.
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. If you do choose to microwave food in plastic containers, be sure to look for containers that are labeled “microwave-safe.” And remember, even “microwave-safe” plastics can release chemicals if they’re heated too much.
Which plastic is microwave safe?
When in doubt, look for the symbol. If you see it, you’ll know that the product is safe to use in your microwave.
- CPET containers are safe for the microwave. They are usually used for oven-ready applications, like our meal solutions and bakery trays. CPET is crystallized, meaning it can withstand much higher temperatures than APET. CPET products are NEVER clear.
- APET is not safe to reheat in the microwave. This type of plastic is usually found in deli containers, supermarket containers, water bottles, and most containers used for cold foods and display packaging. It can be recycled, but it is not safe to reheat in the microwave.
- Polystyrene and Styrofoam containers are not safe to use in the microwave. Most take-out containers and clamshells are made of foam because it is good at keeping food warm during transport. If you want to reheat your food in the microwave, make sure to put it on a plate or some other container that is safe.
What to do if you accidentally microwave something that’s not supposed to go in the microwave
If you accidentally microwave something that’s not supposed to go in the microwave, don’t panic. The first thing you should do is unplug the microwave and call a professional to help you. Once the professionals have taken care of the situation, you can dispose of the food or container safely.
What is the Microwave Safe Symbol
The microwave safe symbol is a three-part symbol with a wave on top and two lines underneath. If you see this symbol on a product, it means that the product has been tested and found to be safe for microwaving.
What numbers are microwave safe?
The numbers that are safe to use in the microwave are 1, 2, 4, and 6. These numbers indicate that the product has been tested and found to be safe for microwaving.
FAQ
Is Number 5 microwave safe?
No, number 5 is not microwave safe. This number indicates that the product has not been tested and may not be safe for microwaving.
Is number 6 safe for microwave?
Yes, number 6 is safe for the microwave. This number indicates that the product has been tested and found to be safe for microwaving.
Can I put aluminum foil in the microwave?
No, you should not put aluminum foil in the microwave. Aluminum foil can cause a fire in the microwave. If you see sparks or smoke, unplug the microwave and call a professional to help you.
My food is microwaved in plastic, is it safe to eat?
If you see the microwave safe symbol on the container, then the food is safe to eat. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
Is number 6 Styrofoam microwave safe?
No, number 6 Styrofoam is not microwave safe. This type of plastic is usually found in deli containers, supermarket containers, water bottles, and most containers used for cold foods and display packaging. It can be recycled, but it is not safe to reheat in the microwave.
Can I put wax paper in the microwave?
No, you should not put wax paper in the microwave. Wax paper can cause a fire in the microwave. If you see sparks or smoke, unplug the microwave and call a professional to help you.
I’m Michael Barnes and I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with the land and help create something that is essential for life. But it’s not always easy. Every day brings new challenges or unexpected natural disasters in order to produce what we need every day: meat; fruit, juice, and healthy dairy products!
