Microwaved to Perfection
Just as when you use a stovetop, food safety is important! Here are some microwave food safety tips:
- Arrange foods in a dish evenly and cover with a lid. Make sure to loosen the lid so steam can escape.
- Do NOT cook large cuts of meat at high power. Cook at medium power and for a longer period making sure you check frequently for doneness.
- Stir or rotate food to eliminate cold spots where bacteria can survive.
- Use only cookware that is manufactured for microwave use.
- Never use plastic storage bags, brown paper, plastic bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in a microwave oven.
- Plastic containers from take-out should not be used in microwave ovens.
- Cook beef, pork, lamb, chops, and roasts to a minimum temperature of 145 F. and allow to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.
- Cook all poultry to a minimum temperature of 165 F. and, likewise, allow it to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.
