We have a relatively new microwave. I was reheating some ground hamburger for my dog on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave. I was watching it spin around for the 10 secs, and noticed 2 tiny "sparks" coming from the meat. Does this mean the meat is contaminated with metal? I couldn't find any pieces. Or is this normal? (I've heated meat before, but never really took notice) I'm worried about the rest of the meat in the refrigerator as well as the microwave. Thanks.
2007-12-06 03:42:54 · 3 answers · asked by Naztazia 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
It was most likely metal fragments in the meat, probably flaked off of the grinder at the butcher/factory but, those flakes are also probably the size of dust particles.
A certain amount of metal particulates are allowed in ground meats by USDA (and other international agricultural) standards. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. I certainly wouldn't call 2 small particles, "contamination".
Now, if there were a 2 minute 'fireworks' show inside your microwave, *then* I'd worry.
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2007-12-06 04:35:15 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's kind of funny, I've never heard of anything right off that could account for sparks in a microwave that wasn't metal related. I'd suggest that you continue to watch it, and while you don't have to throw your meat out just yet, go to the store and get a new batch and see if it does it again. If it does it may just be something pecuiliar about your microwave, if it doesn't, well try some of your hamburger again and see if it does it again. If it does, maybe just throw that batch out.
2007-12-06 12:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by Mic K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carbon that has formed in anything can produce sparking.
2007-12-06 13:34:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋