Many takeout businesses like to use disposable plastic lunch boxes to pack food, but not all plastic disposable boxes can be put into the microwave oven for heating.
Most plastic boxes will have a triangle logo with numbers on it.
Some people mistakenly think that the number here represents how many times the plastic box can be reused: "1" represents only one use, "2" represents two uses
But this is not the case. The number here represents the material of the plastic container. There are different taboos for different materials. Some are not resistant to high temperature, and some are not easy to clean
However, there is only one material that is high temperature resistant and suitable for microwave heating, that is, polypropylene (PP). The plastic material identification code is "5". Therefore, before putting the takeout into the microwave, be sure to check whether there is a "PP" on the plastic lunch box or whether there is a "5" mark on the triangular arrow.
If there is no corresponding mark on the disposable lunch box, it is better to change a container suitable for the microwave oven for heating.
Of course, even if the takeout box can be heated by microwave, it is not recommended to use it again after heating once. Microwave heating and the original oil in food will speed up the migration of some substances that may be harmful to the body from the packaging box. Moreover, the material of the takeout box is relatively thin and brittle, which is not suitable for reuse.
Paper disposable tableware
Pay attention to whether there is plastic covering film
In addition to plastic disposable lunch boxes, many restaurants choose paper disposable tableware to pack food.
Generally speaking, this kind of packaging box with matte texture and no plastic film can be put into the microwave oven.
This kind of tableware is made of bagasse, bamboo pulp and other raw materials. Its biggest advantage is that it is safer and the technology used is closer to papermaking technology. The products with good quality can also be heated in the microwave oven.
However, the tableware made of cardboard and covered with plastic film should not be heated in the microwave oven.
The paper cups, instant noodle buckets and kraft paper tableware we often see belong to this category.
The plastic film used for the internal coating of such tableware is mostly made of PE film. With the enhancement of environmental awareness, more and more businesses use biodegradable PLA film tableware. However, these films are not resistant to high temperatures and are not suitable for microwave heating.
In addition to this kind of tableware, some intimate businesses often wrap a layer of plastic wrap around the takeout box to prevent the soup from splashing.
To be on the safe side, try to tear off the plastic wrap and put it in the microwave. Because it is not clear whether the store uses PE or PVC fresh-keeping film. PE can enter the microwave oven, while PVC cannot (plasticizer will move out).
If you are worried about the soup splashing during microwave heating, you can wrap it with a layer of fresh-keeping film declared on the package that you can enter the microwave oven, or cover it with a microwave mask.