Are Steam-in-the-Bag Veggies Safe to Microwave?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. I’m seeing more fresh and frozen vegetables coming in those steam-in-the-bag packages but I’m wondering whether those plastic bags contain BPA. Should I be concerned?
Answer. BPA is usually used in plastics that are rigid, like water bottles, and to line metal cans. The steam-in-the-bag packages probably don’t contain any BPA but when any plastic is heated or comes into contact with hot food, plastics can be transferred into the food. To be on the safe side, I think it’s worth the 30 seconds it would take to dump these containers into a glass or ceramic container before microwaving.
Related Content: How Worried Do You Need to be About BPA?
Steamed Corn image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.