Meat packaging and microwaves

landgirl100

I've just scared myself silly! I got a package of pork medallions from Lidl out of the freezer and popped it into the microwave to defrost. Within seconds I heard crackling noises and saw flames inside the microwave. I hastily opened the door, removed the glass plate complete with flaming package, and managed to blow the flames out. The corner of the package, where there was a label, had combusted and melted the plastic tray on to the meat inside.
When I got my son to read the back of the package, in the middle of other information was the warning (in tiny print) "Do not defrost in a microwave".
I intend to take the package back to Lidl and explain that as I have an eye problem, I wouldn't have been able to read this tiny warning. I've had a microwave since the late 70's and never come across this problem before.
How should the supermarket act, and should I tell anyone else? I feel the warning should be much bigger and on the front of the packaging.

Fosterdog

Maybe I'm odd but if I need to defrost or cook anything other than a microwave meal I remove all packaging and put it on a microwave safe plate or in a microwave safe bowl. I had no idea that people actually cooked or defrosted things still in the packaging.

As there is a warning, however small, I don't see why the shop should do anything. I'm assuming the packaging also doesn't say or at least not in big writing that raw meat is not safe to eat.

meer53

I'm with Fosterdog, i would never defrost anything in the microwave whilst it was still in the wrapping. Especially plastic wrapping ! I've seen plastic plates melt in a microwave if left in long enough, plastic wrapping will burn very quickly, you've been lucky not to have had an accident before now really.

It's not Lidl's problem that you can't read the label is it ? What if the food had been off ? How do you see the "use by" dates ? How big would you need to warning to be ?

tinkerbell28

The warning is there. What with all the jargon they have to display by law. Warnings tend to be small.

Short of microwave meals I don't think any packaging is microwave proof. Without melting, catching, or some metallic finish.

cattie

Another person here who would never dream of defrosting packaged meat in a microwave without removing packaging first & placing meat on a suitable plate, dish or whatever.

I would imagine you'll get short shrift from Lidl, especially as it does state on the packaging to remove before defrosting.

Most labels have very tiny writing & can be a problem to read unless you have very keen eyesight. But that doesn't remove the responsibility of the purchaser to read labels & be aware of cooking & defrosting guidelines, using a magnifying glass if necessary, which is something I often have to resort to.

landgirl100

OK, I wasn't going to go in demanding a refund, I just wanted people to be warned about the possibility of fire. Clearly everyone else already knows.

Coopdivi

Your eyesight can't be that bad if you are driving a car:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4509211

Hintza

When it happens to me I stop the microwave and remove the offending packaging and then start again, no drama no fuss.

mattyprice4004

Coopdivi wrote: »

Your eyesight can't be that bad if you are driving a car:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4509211

I have the same medallions here - if you can't read that writing stay off the bloody road before you cause a crash. Get your eyesight seen to by a professional.

Lord only knows what you'll not see if you can't read that - it's hardly as small as you make out.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Think of what could had happened to the children.

arcon5

So in summary, you bought some food, didn't read the instructions/warning and now want to be compensated by the supermarket.