According to experts, microwaves can be a quick and easy way to heat food, but they don’t always heat evenly, which can leave harmful bacteria alive and increase the risk of food poisoning.
The CDC states that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, with bacteria like salmonella and E. coli being common causes.
Experts say you should stir food well when microwaving to make sure it reaches the right temperature (at least 165°F) to kill bacteria.
Using a food thermometer is also recommended to ensure your food is heated properly, especially when using the microwave.
However, there are certain foods that should never be reheated in the microwave due to safety concerns. Parade lists these foods to help you avoid unnecessary risks:
- Infant formula or breast milk – Microwaving baby formula or breast milk can cause uneven heating and create hot spots that can scald a baby’s mouth. Plus, the nutrients in breast milk can be destroyed when microwaved.
- Stuffed poultry – While stuffed poultry might seem ready to cook, it should not be microwaved. The stuffing may not get hot enough to kill harmful bacteria, leading to foodborne illness.
- Marinades for raw meat or poultry – Uncooked marinades can carry harmful pathogens that can cause illness. Even if you boil the marinade, microwaving it doesn’t guarantee it will be heated evenly enough to kill those pathogens.
- Leftovers older than a week – Leftovers that have been in the fridge for more than seven days should be thrown out, as microwaving them won’t always kill the bacteria that may have grown, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
- Food left out for more than 2 hours – Food that has been left at room temperature for over two hours can develop bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Clostridium botulinum, which can’t be destroyed by microwaving.
These tips are shared by food safety experts like Mitzi Baum and Dr. Barbara Kowalcyk, who emphasize that while microwaves are helpful, certain foods are better off reheated in other ways for safety and nutrition.
Credit : Parade