The Consumers' Association of Ireland advises caution when cooking with a microwave oven.
A survey by the British Consumers' Association found dangerous amounts of the listeria bug in some cooked chilled meats bought from supermarkets.
Different microwave ovens vary in their ability to heat food and as such in their ability to keep food safe for consumers.
There's a risk of food poisoning if food isn't heated to a minimum of seventy degrees.
The Consumers' Association warned that instructions on food packets can not cover heat variations across all microwave ovens.
Findings of the report on microwave ovens
Reacting to the publication of this report, the Consumers' Association of Ireland have stressed that people using microwaves should not panic but they should be careful and read all cooking instructions.
Felix O'Regan Director of the Consumers' Association of Ireland advises people not to use microwaves to reheat precooked chilled foods or ready-made meals.
Question marks have been raised now from preliminary tests about the suitability and the capacity of microwave ovens for those products.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 23 August 1989. The reporter is Lorna Donlon.
