Liquids that have been heated in the microwave can suddenly erupt.
This is due to layers heated to higher temperatures being trapped under
the surface. To avoid this happening to any liquid stir the liquid thoroughly
before heating in the microwave and stir at least twice during the heating
time. Stir the liquid again at the end.
Always use a suitable sized container, at least one third larger than
the volume of liquid to be heated. If in doubt, use conventional methods,
kettle, etc.
Microwaving Plastics
Microwave ovens regularly provoke fears about unwanted chemicals migrating
from plastic cookware or food packages.
Modern plastics are under scrutiny, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polycarbonate and 'plasticizers' -chemicals that make plastics pliable
and soft. In the microwave, some chemicals may migrate into food, especially
fatty food cooked at high temperatures.
Only plastic containers or packaging labelled 'Microwave Safe' should
be used in microwave ovens.
Plastic wrap should not come into direct contact with food when microwaving,
because chemical components can, according to the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), 'migrate' from plastics into food at microwaving temperatures.
However, according to the FDA there is no evidence to date that such
contaminants pose a serious threat to human health.
Not all plastic is alike, and not all name-brand plastic products are
microwave-safe. Cook only in containers labelled for use in the microwave.
Use polyethylene plastic containers, as they do not contain plasticizers
and leave a gap between food and plastic wraps. If you use paper towels,
choose the plain white kind, not coloured or recycled fibres containing
dyes or chemicals.
