Should I be concerned with microwave popcorn?

Question

A friend of mine sent me this link the other day -- http://www.popcornworkerslung.com/index.php/2006/09/10/can-microwave-popcorn-be-harmful-to-your-health. Should I be concerned with eating microwave popcorn now?

Answer 1

This excerpt from "The New York Times" might help answer your question....

"Fluorotelomers, chemicals used in packaging, can also break down into PFOA (chemical - perfluorooctanoic acid), but there is currently no way for consumers to tell if a package contains the chemicals. The F.D.A. has found that PFOA migrates to the oil from the packaging for microwave popcorn bags during heating. The chemicals are also found in packaging for pizza, bakery items, drinks and candy.

The safe level for PFOA, found in the blood of 95 percent of all Americans, is unknown. If the E.P.A. decides to classify a chemical as a "likely" carcinogen, it would be required to conduct a full human health risk assessment for cancer. So until 2015, advice on how to reduce exposure has not changed:

Use Teflon pans at lower temperatures and never put them over heat without food or liquid. Greasy food should not be heated in a microwave oven in a cardboard container: it should be transferred to glass or ceramic.

For popcorn, advice from Alton Brown of the Food Network is worth repeating:

Place one-quarter cup of good quality popcorn in a standard brown paper lunch bag; mix with oil and seasoning; seal the bag with a single staple and heat for two to three minutes in the microwave.

Cast iron pans, seasoned and heated properly, require very little oil for browning. Professional chefs don't use nonstick pans because they do not brown as well as cast iron or stainless steel."

Hope it helps!

PS - Just for a giggle: I had a friend once who would pop the popcorn then throw it away and just lick the inside of the bag.

Answer 2

How much popcorn do you eat ? A little of anything is harmless. Possibly a great deal of the same thing could be harmful, but that is being investigated by the authorities. In the meantime, I don't see any real reason for you to stop eating it. A great deal of whiskey could kill you, but a drink or two once in a while won't.

Answer 3

Where the heck did you find that article? If you're so concerned about the effects of microwave popcorn, don't eat it!!!!!!!!!! Or at least don't stick your nose in the bag once you open it. Geesh. With all the problems in the world THIS is what you're worried about.

Answer 4

In physics you learn that for every action there is a reaction. I think that this can also apply to food: For every food that we eat there is a risk. For popcorn there is also a chocking hazard, a hazard to too much fat, too much salt, etc. Can you name one food that does not have a risk? The key is to measure risk vs benefit and moderation. Right now I'm thinking the risk of eating chocolate is very very low......and the benefits very very high.....

Answer 5

It's just another urban legend. Microwave popcorn is pefectly safe. Check these rumors out on www.snopes.com

Answer 6

If your talking about long term health problems microwave ovens produce minute radiation so you don't have to worry.

Answer 7

The only thing I have against it is the blood sugar level it causes. To elevate

Answer 8

Just don't eat the whole bag by yourself. Share with loved ones.

Answer 9

i wouldnt put to much thought into that. People will say anything to get you to pay attention to them these days.

Answer 10

No