Is It Safe to Microwave Plastic?

Only in plastic that is meant for it, according to the FDA and Health Canada. The FDA says plastic tableware that does not specify that it is microwave-safe should not be used to heat food and drinks, and that some plastic containers can be melted by the heat of the food inside. Health Canada advises never heating or storing food in plastic containers that are not intended for that purpose.

Heat is the reason. Health Canada says substances added to plastics, such as colourants and plasticizers, could potentially transfer into food, and that this is most likely to happen at high temperatures, such as when microwaving.

For materials sold for food contact, the FDA says a food contact substance that is a food additive must be authorized before it is marketed in the US, and that its review includes testing data on how much of the substance migrates into food during its intended use.

Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.

The sources behind this answer

  • Government sourceThe FDA says plastic tableware that does not specify that it is microwave-safe should not be used to heat foods and drinks. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceThe FDA says some plastic containers should not be used in a microwave oven because they can be melted by the heat of the food inside. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceHealth Canada advises never heating or storing food in plastic containers that are not intended for that purpose. Health Canada ↗
  • Government sourceHealth Canada says substances added to plastics, such as colourants and plasticizers, could potentially transfer into food, most likely at high temperatures such as when microwaving. Health Canada ↗
  • Regulatory filingThe FDA says a food contact substance that is a food additive must be authorized before it is marketed in the US, with a review that includes data on how much of it migrates to food during its intended use. US FDA ↗

Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.

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