How to use a Microwave Convection Oven to Cook Food safely

On Thursday, July 1st, 2010 at 3:40 PM, 1 Comment »

Microwave ovens have an important role at our mealtime, however you should take care when cooking or re-heating meat, chicken, fish, or eggs to make sure they are cooked safely.

Microwave ovens can cook unequally and leave “cold spots,” where risky bacteria can live on. So, it is important to use the following safe microwaving using tips to prevent foodborne infection.

Arrange food items regularly in a covered dish and add some liquid if needed. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap; loosen or vent the lid or wrap to let steam escape. The moist heat that is created will help destroy harmful bacteria and ensure uniform cooking. Cooking bags also provide safe, even cooking.
Do not cook large cuts of meat on high power (100%). Large cuts of meat should be cooked on medium power (50%) for longer periods. This allows heat to reach the center without overcooking outer areas.
Stir or rotate food midway through the microwaving time to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive, and for more even cooking.
Transfer the microwaved food to the other heat source immediately after partially cooking them in the microwave oven convection. You should never partially cook food and store it for later use.
Use a food thermometer or the ovenâ€™s temperature probe to verify the food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature. Cooking times may vary because ovens vary in power and efficiency. Always allow standing time, which completes the cooking, before checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
Cook foods to the following safe minimum internal temperatures:
Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops may be cooked to 63 Â°C.
Ground beef, veal and lamb to 72 Â°C.
Egg dishes, casseroles to 72 Â°C.
Leftovers to 74 Â°C.
Stuffed poultry is not recommended. Cook stuffing separately to 74 Â°C.
All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 74 Â°C.
Not recommended to cook stuffed poultry in a microwave oven it might not reach the temperature needed to destroy harmful bacteria.
Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual for recommended operating procedures and safety precautions for your oven model.
Don’t operate an oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, warped, or otherwise damaged.
Never operate an oven if you have reason to believe it will continue to operate with the door open.
Don’t stand directly against an oven (and don’t allow children to do this) for long periods of time while it is operating.
Users should not heat water or liquids in the microwave oven for excessive amounts of time.