Q: Who is responsible for setting the standards for what can legally be called “microwave safe”?
— Barry Georgopulos, Denver
A: The most obvious consideration would be the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission.
But that’s not so.
It turns out that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the agency responsible for all things microwave, including the actual appliance itself.
What’s also at issue here is what “microwave safe” actually means. The thinking is that you ought to purchase an item with such a label and know that your food is fine.
Not really.
What “microwave safe” and “microwavable” actually mean is that the plastic container — most glass and non-metal plates are fine — shouldn’t fall apart, crack or melt when it’s used in a microwave oven.
There’s no guarantee the container or plate won’t leach chemicals into foods when it’s all being heated. There are standards, though the FDA doesn’t actually establish them, although they approve them.
Best way to determine whether a dish is actually microwave safe? Put it into the appliance along with a small glass bowl of water and run it on high for about a minute.
If the dish is hot to the touch, it’s a good idea to find something else.
Why the water? Because microwaves need something to “cook” while operating, otherwise it’s all on the plate.
The FDA approves items for labeling as safe for microwave use, but that doesn’t mean phonies won’t make it to the market.
Visit the FDA site at for more info or to complain.
