Is it safer to wrap or cover your food when warming them in the microwave?
I heard from a friend that if nothing covers the bowl or plate of food, there is a direct radiation affect on the food you eat. Is that true?
Best Answer
Many plastics used in the kitchen are unsuitable for use in contact with hot food, whether wrapping it or sagging onto it when used as a cover. Freezer bags are a relevant example. These may melt, or leach into the food. I don't worry about this as much as I probably should; some people are very cautious.
A sealed wrap is also a bad idea, as it can burst under steam pressure. For example leaving a bag clipped shut. This is rare though, and also applies to an unvented cover of cling film.
A loose or vented cover is a good idea for keeping the microwave clean.
Your friend is misguided. Microwave ovens use a form of radiation similar to radio waves, and this is what heats the food. It's very different to ionising radiation which we are rightly cautious of.
Microwave radiation isn't blocked by anything you'd use as a microwave cover/wrap, because then your food wouldn't heat up. So it's a good thing your friend's cover does nothing. Microwave radiation is blocked by metal, including the mesh in the door. The emission of microwaves stops instantly when you open the door, because we're made of meat and would cook quite easily (plus the WiFi would be jammed).
All links are from Wikipedia and are further reading for the curious.
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Quick Answer about "Is it safer to wrap or cover your food when warming them in the microwave?"
The moist heat created when food is steamed or vented with a lid that's not too tight also helps destroy harmful bacteria. Though it's always a good idea to cover food when reheating it in the microwave (otherwise that cleaning schedule will be on overdrive), microwaving food in an airtight container is a no-no.Is it safe to microwave food covered in plastic wrap?
The USDA says plastic wrap is actually safe to use in the microwave, as long as it's labeled microwave-safe. More importantly, they recommend that the plastic wrap not touch the actual food.Is it okay to cover hot food with plastic wrap?
Never cover something warm and put in the refrigerator. At the very least poke holes in aluminum or plastic wrap to allow heat to vent. Don't over crowd your refrigerator with hot food. Don't let food sit out for hours at a time after it's cooked.What should you cover when microwaving?
Microwave - Food Preparation CoveringsVERIFY: Is it safe to microwave food in plastic containers?
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