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We all know not to heat food in the microwave in plastic containers because as they get hot, the chemicals from plastic can leach into our food. Two of the most toxic chemicals that can be ingested from plastic containers are BPA and pthalates. So why are steamable bags ok to use in the microwave? The food companies have decided that if these containers do not contain BPA or pthalates, then they are ok to use. But aren’t plastics made from petroleum? There seems to be VERY few scientific articles written on this subject and most reference a dated Good Housekeeping article from 2007 that tested 31 of these products. That does not seem exhaustive to me. Definitely not conclusive-enough evidence for me to surround my food in microwave radiated plastic and put it in my body!
How can we trust the food industry to keep us safe? After all they have been tricking us for years with bad “science” and brilliant marketing to think certain unhealthy foods are good for us such as:
“vitamin” sodas & water
fat free cookies
Olestra potato chips
Sugary breakfast cereals with added vitamins & minerals
margarine
foods full of trans fat/ hydrogenated fat
canola and palm oil
zero calorie sodas
meat full of antibiotics/hormones
toxic chemicals used for colorings like Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6.
corn syrup hidden in everything
You get the idea.
After years of deception to make a buck at the expense of the public, I think I will skip the steamable/steam-in bag method of heating my food. Even if the industry says they believe it to be safe. Afterall, that is what they have said about the entire list of trash food listed above. It can just as easily be put into a pan and heated for 5 minutes. (The bag takes 3 in the microwave). Is the 2 minute time savings worth the risk?
I will stick with Dr. Andrew Weil’s 2009 advice that still holds true “While microwave ovens are a great convenience, I advise using only glass or ceramic containers in them and only waxed paper or a paper towel to cover foods that you are heating. I don’t cook anything in the microwave. Instead, I use it only for defrosting or rapid reheating of leftovers. It is very easy to steam vegetables on the stove, without enclosing them in plastic.”
Need microwave safe cookware and dishes? Try these options:
1. CorningWare White 1-1/2-Quart Covered Round Ceramic Dish with Glass Top https://amzn.to/3Wwlskg
2. CorningWare French White 10-Pc Ceramic Bakeware Set https://amzn.to/4b6rxYP
3. Pyrex Deep Glass Baking Dish Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear 7×11 https://amzn.to/4dr0SYu
4. Corelle Classic White 8-Piece Dinner Plates Set Microwave Safe https://amzn.to/4adKqrE