Microwaves are handy for reheating food, but experts from Parade warn that some foods should never be reheated this way. Here’s a simple guide explaining why certain foods are better left out of the microwave, with credit to Parade as the source for this helpful advice.
1. Infant Formula or Breast Milk
Warming up infant formula or breast milk in the microwave might seem quick, but it can create dangerously hot spots that could burn a baby’s mouth. The microwave also destroys some of the nutrients in breast milk. It’s safer to use other methods like a warm water bath to heat baby bottles. Parade explains that it’s better to avoid this risk altogether by skipping the microwave when it comes to your little one’s meals.
2. Stuffed Poultry
Stuffed chicken or turkey may look like it’s cooked after a few minutes in the microwave, but the stuffing inside might still harbor harmful bacteria. According to Parade, microwaves don’t always cook food evenly, so the middle of the stuffing might not reach a safe temperature. It’s better to cook stuffed poultry in the oven to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
3. Marinades for Raw Meat or Poultry
Using marinades for flavor is great, but reusing the raw marinade as a sauce after cooking can be risky. Parade points out that uncooked marinades can contain bacteria that microwaves may not eliminate completely. It’s safer to boil the marinade on the stove first to kill any harmful germs before using it as a sauce.
4. Leftovers That Are More Than a Week Old
Even if you try to reheat week-old leftovers in the microwave, it won’t make them safe to eat. According to Parade, food that’s been in the fridge for over seven days can grow mold, yeast, and bacteria that microwaving might not kill. It’s best to throw out leftovers that are more than three to four days old.
5. Food Left Unrefrigerated for Over 2 Hours
Food that has been sitting out for more than two hours shouldn’t be reheated in the microwave. As Parade explains, bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, and microwaving won’t remove the toxins that certain bacteria, like those causing botulism, produce. Once food has been out too long, it’s safer to discard it rather than trying to reheat it.
In summary, while the microwave can be convenient, there are some foods you should avoid reheating this way to prevent foodborne illness.
Thanks to Parade for shedding light on these food safety tips.
https://parade.com/health/foods-to-never-reheat-in-the-microwave-according-to-food-safety-experts