Ovenable takeout containers are made from a variety of materials like paperboard, CPET plastic, and aluminum, all of which can handle high heat. Containers that are not designated oven-ready, or for high heat applications, should never be put in the oven.

The one you were talking about having to pierce is a clear plastic polyester film. The reason you have to pierce it is because as the water in the food gets hot turns to water vapor and when he gets hot enough it turns to steam.

Plastic film and many plastic containers would melt at 400°F (204°C), and the cardboard boxes would scorch, so the food manufacturers do not contemplate that consumers would use the original packaging to heat the food to such temperatures in a hot oven.

Prepackaged microwaveable meals, chicken pot pies and pre-browned or breaded chicken products have been linked to Salmonella and Listeria, two potentially deadly forms of bacteria, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. …

As ready meals contain raw or partly cooked meat, there’s a risk of salmonella and listeria, potentially deadly forms of bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning. To avoid this, the food must be cooked thoroughly and at the correct temperature.

The findings, published in The BMJ, show that ultra-processed foods – often containing high levels of added sugar, fat and salt – are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and dying young.

Best Ready Meals?

• Tesco (7) 9.72%
• Asda (4) 5.56%
• Sainsburys (6) 8.33%
• Morrisons (4) 5.56%
• Waitrose (8) 11.11%
• M&S (36) 50%
• Somerfield (0) 0%
• Local shop (Spar, McColls etc) (0) 0%

Food must be heated until it is 82C (176F) throughout to kill any harmful bacteria – and because bacteria can still grow each time food cools back down, you shouldn’t reheat a meal more than once. (Read more about whether it’s safe to reheat food. The high temperatures of the microwave may also pose some risk.

As far as we know, yes. No human studies have linked microwave use to any problems during pregnancy. Don’t operate the microwave if the door doesn’t close firmly, is bent or damaged, or if the seal around the door is damaged. Don’t lean against the microwave while it’s operating.

Yes, as long as you store, handle and cook pre-prepared convenience meals properly, and follow the instructions on the packet.

Yes, as long as you store, handle and cook ready meals properly, and follow the instructions on the packaging.