Dangers of Saran wrap?

Question

I know it is harmful to use plastic wrap to store hot food, but what about cold or lukewarm foods? I'm concerned about plastics leaving toxins in food.

Any safety tips?

Answer 1

The fun you can have with saran wrap... good times. I dont think it will harm your food, however I would look on the back of the box and read to make sure what it the appropriate temp the food should be to provide the best freshness.

Answer 2

Yes, the same toxins can leach from saran-wrap at lukewarm and cold temps... its just slower.

Answer 3

That is not true.  You can cook with saran wrap by putting it over casseroles or lasanga and then topping with foil and it does not melt and it is a great way to keep the foil from breaking down and getting into your food. Restaurants do it all the time.  

I found this on an environmental  nutrition site

because there are far more questions than answers surrounding this controversial issue, we think it pays to be cautious and choose materials least likely to react should they come in contact with very hot foods--especially since that's not hard to do. Here are EN's guidelines on what you can use in a microwave:

* Glass, including tempered glass, such as Pyrex.

* Ceramic glass, such as Corningware.

Yellow Light - (Some scientists express concern.)

* Rigid plastic labeled for microwave use, such as Rubbermaid's Intellivent, Tupperware's CrystalWave, TupperWave and Rock `N Serve.

* Plastic wraps made from polyethylene, such as Glad Cling Wrap Crystal Clear Polyethylene.

Red Light - (Most scientists recommend avoiding.)

* Food containers like margarine tubs and take-out containers.

* Plastic containers not labeled microwave-safe.

* Shrink wraps and cling-type plastic wraps that contain plasticizers, such as Reynolds Plastic Wrap and Saran Wrap.

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