Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
When you need to satisfy your hunger quickly, heat up last night’s leftovers in Microwave It may seem like the best solution. But if you heat them in the plastic container they came in, you run the risk of ingestion Microplastics and harmful chemicals.
You may be wondering, “Is plastic pollution as dangerous as experts say?” Unfortunately, all signs point to yes. He studies after He studies It has been shown that the resulting chemical exposure to microplastics can pose significant health risks and has been linked to an increase in medical issues such as infertility and even cancer.
Here’s everything to know about reheating your leftovers safely.
Most takeout containers are not heat safe
Most black plastic containers are not microwave safe.
“If you are using containers to heat food, they should be labeled as heat safe,” advises Ricardo Jarquin, executive chef of Louise Coral Gables in Miami. “Most restaurants don’t use them because they’re more expensive.”
Aluminum, cardboard and paper containers are usually plastic-free and safe for storing and heating foods. Cheap plastic takeout containers are mostly not safe and should never be used to reheat food. Styrofoam is worse because it melts in the microwave, which is a clear indicator that it is an unsafe container for reheating food.
Read more: These seven takeout containers don’t belong in the recycling bin
What do you use instead of plastic?
It may seem like more work but bringing your own food storage container for leftovers is the safest bet.
So what’s the best way to reheat that delicious meal? We chatted with Jarquin, who has overseen operations protocol and food safety for major hotel chains including the Four Seasons, Hilton, and Marriott, as well as Hope Montgomery, owner of O’Fo’s O’O’s. Bricks and mortar in St. Petersburg, Florida, to get the skinny on the safe use of takeout containers.
Ideally, the restaurant uses compostable, aluminum or cardboard products, which can be found at Brick & Mortar and Montgomery’s favorite materials. A surefire way to ensure food is stored and heated in a heat-safe container (whether by preheating or via microwave) is to simply use your own.
“The safest containers are BPA-free, or even better, glass containers like Pyrex,” Jarquin recommends. “Stainless steel and aluminum are great too, just not for the microwave.”
One of our favorite options is this Colorful 10 piece set Which provides the convenience of multiple sizes. This means you can limit the format to accommodate the amount you plan to reheat or take home from the restaurant, from a full entree to a few bites of dessert.
Beware of plastic containers marketed as microwave and freezer safe
Many plastic containers are marketed as “freezer and microwave safe,” but this is not the case.
Many plastic containers are marketed as “freezer and microwave safe,” but that’s mostly marketing terms. Plastic containers should not be frozen or microwaved. Ziploc and Rubbermaid It faces a lawsuit for advertising its plastic-based containers as “microwave safe” and “freezer safe.” When heated, plastic containers have been found to leach chemicals into the food. When frozen, the plastic often separates, which can contaminate the food.
How to reheat food safely
Delicious containers may be considered food safe but glass and ceramic are safer options for reheating food in the microwave.
More important than Reheat your food so it tastes good Make sure it is safe to eat. Do not reheat your leftovers in an unsafe container. This includes most cheap plastic containers that restaurants use, such as plastic clam or black plastic containers. Deli containers like the ones you get for chicken salad at the grocery store are considered “food safe” for storage, but it is still recommended that they be used to reheat food at high temperatures.
When reheating food in the microwave, always use glass or ceramic. Keep any containers, lids or utensils containing plastic or rubber used for service only.
How to reheat food so it tastes good
An air fryer is one of our favorite ways to reheat leftovers.
Aside from the risk of plastic exposure when hot food is stored in those containers, you’ll want to make sure your reheated leftovers maintain overall quality.
“Although microwave saving is quick and easy, better results can often be achieved by reheating on the stove,” says Montgomery. “A little extra fat like olive oil and butter, as well as seasonings, can be helpful,” she adds, noting that this doesn’t relate to some dishes like her restaurant’s famous beef Carpaccio, which must be consumed on site in its entirety.
Jarquin echoes these sentiments. “You get a much better result when you reheat leftovers in a frying pan Or in oven“He stresses, revealing that some dishes may taste better when enjoyed the next day.” In Americana Kitchen, Rigatoni with vodka sauce continues to become a gourmet the next day. Also, any of our pizza or mushroom pasta definitely improves the next day. “The flavors infuse even more, and the texture remains wonderful when reheated slowly,” he says.
Other foods Jarquin recommends to enjoy at home after eating include “soups, curries, chili and lasagna,” which are typically items in which the flavors can continue to develop overnight.
Concerns about bacterial growth
Food, including cooked rice, can quickly develop bacteria if not stored properly.
Another danger to consider with food scraps is the rapid formation of bacteria that can lead to often brief but sometimes serious illnesses. In short, the longer food sits, the more these germs grow.
“The general rule is that it takes about two hours at room temperature and one hour if it’s really hot” (usually over 90 degrees F), Jarkin said. “Then, the bacteria can grow quickly and you don’t always see or smell them. That’s why it’s important to either serve hot or cold food quickly or keep it stored properly.”
Read more: I don’t walk around with leftover rice — you shouldn’t either
At the end of the day, if you’re not a little afraid of microplastic and/or food-borne illness, no leftovers are worth temporary satisfaction. Accept your losses and task yourself with homemade appetite suppressants to ensure safe, plastic-free bites within your kitchen.
For a comprehensive guide to food safety protocol, check the CDC Four steps to food safety.