How are frozen dinners that are supposed to be heated up in their plastic containers, FDA approved?

Question

I was under the impression that all heated plastic releases cancer causing carcinogens, so why are companies able to sell products who’s instructed cooking method is harmful to people’s health?

In: 116

Answer 1

Correction. Burning or melting plastic releases cancer-causing dioxins.

1. Plastics that are FDA approved for microwave containers (ie, labelled microwave safe) have a sufficiently high melting point that they should not melt when heating food.
2. Microwave energy is primarily absorbed by water. Meaning that the water-less plastic will absorb much less energy than the water-dense food.