NEW YORK -- The American Plastics Council has created a free consumers' guide to microwaving food using plastic wrap and containers: "Plastics in the Microwave: A Common Sense Approach."
The guide includes recommendations developed by Dr. Charles Breder, food-packaging specialist and former supervisory chemist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Among the guidelines:-- Cook or reheat foods in containers intended for microwave use. These containers are designed to withstand the high temperatures that are possible when the foods you're heating contain fat or sugar.
-- Remove food from store wrap before thawing or reheating in a microwave oven unless the manufacturer has indicated that it's meant for microwave use. Some plastic trays, wraps or containers can melt or warp when the food gets hot, possibly causing spills and burns.
-- Most cold-food packages, such as margarine tubs, cottage cheese containers and foam meat trays, are not intended for microwave use.
-- Microwave-safe plastic wraps, placed loosely over bowls or dishes during rewarming, can help keep moisture in and provide even cooking. If the wrap touches the food, the wrap could get overly hot and possibly melt. (Breder notes that if you were to accidentally eat food containing melted plastic, you'll probably have an unpleasant eating experience but you won't be harmed.)
The brochure is available on the Internet at www.plastics.org, or by mail from American Plastics Council, 1801 K Street NW, Suite 701 L, Washington, DC 20006.