Putting hot food directly into a plastic storage container is generally not recommended. High temperatures can increase the risk of chemicals in some types of plastic migrating into food, and can deform the container so it no longer seals properly. Letting the food cool to room temperature, or at least until lukewarm, before transferring it extends the container's life and greatly reduces this risk. This small wait is one of the kitchen habits most often skipped.
Why does hot food deform plastic? Plastic containers are made to withstand heat up to a certain temperature. Food hotter than that can cause the base or sides to bend slightly or warp permanently. A deformed container may no longer fit its lid properly, allowing air inside during storage and causing the food to spoil faster than usual. Sometimes the deformation is so slight that it is noticed only when you try to put the lid on.
Which plastics can withstand the microwave and hot food? If the bottom of the container says microwave-safe or has a fork-and-knife or wavy-lines symbol, it has been tested for high temperatures. Containers without this marking, especially old or scratched ones, should not be considered safe. Glass or stainless steel containers are a safer choice for hot food because they have no temperature limit. They may also be more economical in the long run, especially in kitchens where hot food is stored every day, since they do not need to be replaced as often because of scratches.
When should a plastic container be replaced? A plastic container with a scratched, cloudy, or discolored surface may have been exposed to hot food many times; it should be replaced whether or not it has lost its seal. If its smell does not go away or it still feels greasy after washing, that is also a sign that the material has deteriorated. When these signs appear, replacing the container is safest rather than trying to repair it.
How long should food cool before going into a container? Let food sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes after taking it off the stove before transferring it to a container. This protects the container and prevents the temperature of other food in the refrigerator from rising. Leaving food on the counter for too long—more than 2 hours—can create a separate food-safety problem, so keep the cooling period reasonable. The aim is to find a balance between these two extremes.
Can hot food go straight into the refrigerator? Putting hot food straight into the refrigerator without waiting can cause a separate problem, even if it is not in a plastic container: it may temporarily raise the refrigerator's internal temperature and warm nearby food. The recommended method is to cool the food quickly in a wide, shallow container first, then transfer it to a storage container and refrigerate it. The larger surface area cools the food much faster than a deep pot.
In short, waiting for hot food to become lukewarm before putting it in a plastic container reduces the risk of both deformation and chemicals migrating into the food. Plastic containers without a microwave-safe label, or ones that are scratched or retain an odor, should not be used for hot food. When possible, choose glass or steel containers.
Comments (2)
Yıllardır sıcak yemekleri hiç bekletmeden plastik kaplara koyuyordum, birkaç kabım zamanla matlaşıp yağlı bir hisse büründü. Bu yazıyı okuyunca hepsini değiştirmeye karar verdim, geçmiş deneyimim için en düşük puanı veriyorum.
Sıcak nohut yemeğini daha ılınmadan plastik kaba koyup kapağını kapattım, ertesi gün kabın tabanı hafifçe çökmüş ve kapak artık tam oturmuyordu. Kabı atmak zorunda kaldım, bu yüzden düşük puan veriyorum.