In this fast-paced society, many people have no time to cook for themselves. Therefore, it has become a habit to often eat takeaway disposable lunch boxes. Occasionally, the food is cold and must be heated in a microwave oven. So, can the disposable lunch box be heated in a microwave oven? Is there any harm to the body after heating it?

In general, as long as the utensils that do not contain metal materials can be heated in the microwave oven. For example, disposable lunch boxes, foam plastics, paper products, and instant noodle bowls can all be heated. However, whether it is safe after heating is another matter. Let’s take a look at what should we pay attention to when heating in a microwave oven?

Plastic disposable tableware-look for the "PP" logo

Many takeaway businesses like to use plastic disposable boxes to pack meals, but not all plastic disposable boxes can be heated in a microwave oven. Most plastic boxes will have a triangle logo with a number on it. Some people mistakenly think that the number here means that the plastic box can be reused several times: "1" means it can only be used once, and "2" means it can be used twice.

But the actual situation is not like this. The number here represents the material of the plastic container. The production materials are different, and the contraindications are also different. Some are not resistant to high temperatures, and some are not easy to clean. There is only one material that is resistant to high temperatures and suitable for microwave heating, and that is polypropylene (PP). The plastic material identification code is "5".

Therefore, before putting the takeaway in the microwave oven, be sure to check whether there is "PP" on the plastic lunch box or whether there is a "5" mark on the triangle arrow. If there is no corresponding label on the disposable lunch box, it is best to change to a container suitable for microwave ovens for heating.

Of course, even for takeaway boxes that can be microwaved, it is not recommended to use them again after heating once. Microwave heating and the original fat in food will accelerate the migration of some substances that may be harmful to the body in the packaging box. Moreover, the material of the take-out box is relatively thin and brittle, which is not suitable for repeated use.