FOOD NEWS
You're Probably Still Making This Dangerous Microwave Mistake
BY WENDY LEIGH
Kitchen mistakes range from minor to catastrophic, and if you're using your microwave to defrost meat, you're playing a dangerous game.
For meat, there's a danger zone between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit in which bacteria thrive, and using a microwave to defrost meat risks letting these bacteria multiply.
Not only will the microwave unevenly heat the meat, potentially letting bacteria multiply, but that bacteria can spread to the appliance itself, contaminating other foods.
To avoid any cross-contamination, thaw your meat overnight in the fridge. If you're in a pinch and must use the microwave, make sure to clean it thoroughly afterward.