Can You Microwave Saran Wrap?

Saran wrap is also known as cling film or plastic wrap. I always used saran wrap to reheat food, and who wouldn’t want that? It’s an excellent low-cost option, and it ensures that the meal is completely covered, preventing splatter and retaining moisture.

Plastic plays a significant role in our kitchens.  Every day, our food comes into contact with plastic in various ways, from serving to storing it. It will be challenging for me to respond to the question, “Can you microwave saran wrap?”.

I am still unable to respond to the question with a simple yes or no. Let’s try to figure out the answer step by step.

What Is Saran Wrap?

Dow Chemical Company was the first to design cling wrap for commercial use, according to the report. They began selling it to private individuals in 1953, and SC Johnson then purchased ‘Saran’ from Dow in 1998.

The word ‘Saran’ was derived from the names of John Reilly’s wife Sarah and daughter Ann Reilly.

This thin, clinging plastic wrap came in rolls and was mainly used for food packing, and it became quite popular within a short time for preserving food items and storing them in the refrigerator.

This wrap is also made of safe polyethylene and is BPA-free, as the company was concerned about the safety of PVDC.

Types of Saran Wrap:

According to its material and production process, saran wrap on the market can be classified into four categories:

• PE (polyethylene)
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride)
• PMP (polymethylpentene)

PVC saran wrap can be used to seal low-fat, low-temperature, and room-temperature goods such as vegetables, fruits, and eggs. It can’t come into contact with leftovers, meat, seafood, or other potentially dangerous things.

PE saran wrap is the most common type of saran wrap. It can be used to seal meat, leftovers, fruits, and other products, among other things. Although, microwaving PE saran wrap is not suggested.

The PVDC and PMP saran wraps are suitable for a variety of uses. They can resist temperatures of 140°C to 180°C. These polymers are also used to make the majority of microwave-safe saran wrap available today. However, using it in a convection oven is not recommended.

Related: Can you microwave Mason Jars?

Can You Put Saran Wrap in the Microwave?

Yes, the FDA has approved saran wraps for use in microwaves. In terms of heat resistance and non-toxicity, microwave-safe saran wrap is considerably superior to regular saran wrap.

That means this sort of saran wrap can be used in the microwave without causing any health risks.

The microwave safety symbol is the best way to determine whether saran wrap is safe to use in a microwave.

Therefore, if you’re going to use saran wrap in the microwave, check for a label on the package that says “MICROWAVE-SAFE.”

How to Microwave Saran Wrap Safely?

The following are the safety precautions you should consider while using saran wrap in the microwave:

1. When using saran wrap for cooking meals, avoid allowing the saran wrap to come into direct contact with the food.

Foods contain fats and oils, which may react to PVC or plasticizers when heated. Then there’s the risk of ingesting hazardous compounds along with the food.

Therefore, it’s best to place the food in a bowl and cover it with saran wrap. Food and saran wrap will not come into direct touch in this manner.

2. Use a fork to poke a few holes on the saran wrap after it has stuck to the bowl

The tiny holes can aid to release the moisture emitted by heating food, resulting in better-tasting foods. It would also assist in preventing the saran wrap from bursting due to gas expansion.

Related: Can you put paper towels in the microwave?

Does Microwaving Saran Wrap Cause Cancer?

When you microwave food in a plastic container or a wrap, chemicals from the wrap or container may leach into the food, raising cancer risk.

THAT IS Wrong!!

According to Dr. Permuth, plastic wraps certified as microwave-safe by the FDA are safe to use in the microwave and are not known to cause cancer.

However, things would have been different if the plastic saran wrap had included the chemical dioxin. Dioxin is a carcinogenic substance. On the other hand, dioxins are produced when plastics and other materials burn or melt. You’re good to go as long as you don’t burn your meal in the microwave while using dioxin-containing saran wrap.

Is it Possible to Microwave Saran Wrap for a Long Time?

Using Saran wrap for more than 5 minutes at a time is not recommended. After 5 minutes of use, try to turn off the microwave. If it is used for a long time, you should keep the temperature as low as possible.

However, saran wrap has a low-temperature limit when compared to other items. Saran wrap begins to melt about 220-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Can I Know If Saran Wrap Is Microwave Safe?

You can use saran wrap in the microwave if it says it’s microwave-safe.

Look for a label that says “microwave safe.” on the product box. The US Food and Drug Administration suggests using only wrap and containers certified “microwave-safe” to avoid exposure to these chemicals; many manufacturers have recently redesigned their products to include this label.

Also Read: Can you reheat Salmon in the microwave?

When Should You Avoid Saran Wraps?

Avoid foods that have melted saran wrap residue. If you notice the wrap getting into your food, try to avoid it, and it could turn harmful and threaten your health.

Always use a wrap that is made of BPA-free polyethylene. Saran wrap is a type of wrap that is BAP-free and safe to use in the microwave.

FAQs

Conclusion

“Can you microwave saran wrap?” is no longer a question for you.

Generally, Saran Wrap is safe to use in the microwave. The majority of individuals use saran wrap to keep their food fresh and safe. Avoid exposing the wrap to high heat while using it in the microwave.

Ensure you follow all safety precautions while using any item in your oven or dealing with things that come into contact with your food.

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