Better nuke that pot pie

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn’t zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

--
Wayne Boatwright
__________________________________________________

Answers: $1, Short: $5, Correct: $25, dumb looks
are still free.

In article <[email hidden]>,

Steve said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn’t zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

Damn.

I actually like those things but have not bought any in ages. I consider
them to be comfort/junk food.

When I have bought them, they get nuked until the crust turns brown.
They have to cool off for awhile before they can be eaten.
--
Peace, Om

Remove both _ (underscores) to validate gmail e-mails.

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down." -- Steve Rothstein

"Wayne Boatwright" <wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

--
Wayne Boatwright

Our local TV station bought a bunch of pot pies (Banquet and Marie Calendar
are the ones I remember). Here's the story. Banquet didn't come to temp,
Marie Calendar did http://tinyurl.com/2qfrbx

Janet

"Janet B." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Wayne Boatwright" <wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

--
Wayne Boatwright

Our local TV station bought a bunch of pot pies (Banquet and Marie
Calendar are the ones I remember). Here's the story. Banquet didn't come
to temp, Marie Calendar did http://tinyurl.com/2qfrbx

Janet

That's a silly article. It proves what Wayne said: A lot of people are too
dumb to understand that without exception, *all* microwave instructions are
only guidelines. Sometimes you get lucky and things cook right, as per the
guidelines. Other times, you have to use your brain (if any).

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 04:58:34p, Janet B. meant to say...

Quoted message said:

"Wayne Boatwright" <wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I
buy that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on
their package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking
time. Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven
someone uses is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking
time has to be increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that
people can't figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally
stupid.

--
Wayne Boatwright

Our local TV station bought a bunch of pot pies (Banquet and Marie
Calendar are the ones I remember). Here's the story. Banquet didn't
come to temp, Marie Calendar did http://tinyurl.com/2qfrbx

Janet

Interesting article. One difference may be that the Marie Calendar pies
are most likely much higher in fat, which would increase the temperature
more quickly in a microwave. As frozen pot pies go, the Marie Calendar
aren't bad. I keep a few in the freezer for "emergency" dinners when I
work extremely late. Although, I'll admit that I don't ever nuke them. I
bake them in the oven so that both bottom and top crust will be adequately
brown.

I have never bought a Swanson or Banquet pot pie.

--
Wayne Boatwright
__________________________________________________

Answers: $1, Short: $5, Correct: $25, dumb looks
are still free.

"Wayne Boatwright" <wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 04:58:34p, Janet B. meant to say...

Quoted message said:

"Wayne Boatwright" <wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

>
> Excerpts from
> http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html
>
>
> The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
> ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
> It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
> didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
> Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
> "The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
> undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
> products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
> pathogens found in many uncooked products."
>
> It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
> their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
> senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
> with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
> some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
> thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I
buy that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on
their package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking
time. Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven
someone uses is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking
time has to be increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that
people can't figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally
stupid.

--
Wayne Boatwright

Our local TV station bought a bunch of pot pies (Banquet and Marie
Calendar are the ones I remember). Here's the story. Banquet didn't
come to temp, Marie Calendar did http://tinyurl.com/2qfrbx

Janet

Interesting article. One difference may be that the Marie Calendar pies
are most likely much higher in fat, which would increase the temperature
more quickly in a microwave. As frozen pot pies go, the Marie Calendar
aren't bad. I keep a few in the freezer for "emergency" dinners when I
work extremely late. Although, I'll admit that I don't ever nuke them. I
bake them in the oven so that both bottom and top crust will be adequately
brown.

I have never bought a Swanson or Banquet pot pie.

--
Wayne Boatwright

Pepperidge Farm's pies aren't bad - about on par with MC's. I've always
found Banquet pies to be not much more than soup inside. May as well just
open a can of soup and have some bread with it.

Wayne Boatwright wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com said:

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

How would someone figure out precisely how much extra time should be
allotted? Is it directly proportional to wattage? And what about
those who don't know the wattage of their microwaves? Specifically
the ones that act as stove vents, and helpfully put the information on
the back? Not to mention that I seem to recall tests of microwaves
indicating that the rated power output varied pretty widely...

--

Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular.

....Anon

"Steve" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

Don't get me started on that company. I buy nothing that they produce.
Also ADM products. Trust me the delay with the bogus argument just insured
that when they did recall the pies, that their losses would be so much less
as the infected ones would have been eaten. One is not cooking their pies.
They are already cooked save for the crust. To get salmonella in cooked
food takes some real work. Has anyone noticed how this is becoming more and
more of a problem recently?

Paul

"Steve" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I thought you couldn't cook them in a microwave. I remember someone at work
trying that and it came out all soggy since you can't really bake the crust
in there.

In article <lrDQi.1548$pl2.151@trndny09>,

Julie Bove said:

"Steve" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I thought you couldn't cook them in a microwave. I remember someone at work
trying that and it came out all soggy since you can't really bake the crust
in there.

They come in a special coated paper pie dish thingy that crisps even the
bottom crust nicely. It's made for nuking.
--
Peace, Om

Remove both _ (underscores) to validate gmail e-mails.

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down." -- Steve Rothstein

"Steve" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wayne Boatwright wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com said:

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

How would someone figure out precisely how much extra time should be
allotted? Is it directly proportional to wattage? And what about
those who don't know the wattage of their microwaves? Specifically
the ones that act as stove vents, and helpfully put the information on
the back? Not to mention that I seem to recall tests of microwaves
indicating that the rated power output varied pretty widely...

No formula will help for making pot pie in the microwave, because it is not
a product that's consistent from one day to the next. You will need to
observe each time, and make adjustments.

Bake a pot pie in your conventional oven, following the instructions on the
pie box, as well as all known conventions for preheating an oven. Break the
top pie crust with a fork. Notice the steam. Now, without a moment's
hesitation, eat some of the inside. It should burn the hell out of your
tongue and you'll go running for an ice cube.

That's how you know it's done. Now, make one in your microwave and shoot for
the goal above: Hurt tongue.

"Julie Bove" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:lrDQi.1548$pl2.151@trndny09...

Quoted message said:

"Steve" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
"The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
pathogens found in many uncooked products."

It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I thought you couldn't cook them in a microwave. I remember someone at
work trying that and it came out all soggy since you can't really bake the
crust in there.

If you really have your heart set on a pot pie, the crusts turn out good
enough via microwave. Not like a regular oven, but good enough.

Steve said:

Wayne Boatwright wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com said:

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses

is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

How would someone figure out precisely how much extra time should be
allotted? Is it directly proportional to wattage? And what about
those who don't know the wattage of their microwaves? Specifically
the ones that act as stove vents, and helpfully put the information on
the back? Not to mention that I seem to recall tests of microwaves
indicating that the rated power output varied pretty widely...

I can't speak about the ones in the Banquet boxes; but, the same pies, made
at the plant here in Missouri, are sold by Aldi under their store-brand
Kirkwood. The recalled Kirkwood Chicken Pot Pies are in a metal pan and
have no microwave instructions; they say in bold letter "For food safety and
quality, follow these cooking directions: CONVENTIONAL or TOASTER OVEN, 1.
Preheat to 400F....."

--
Change Cujo to Juno in email address.

One time on Usenet said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

<snip>

Quoted message said:

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

It's called "thinning the herd", Wayne... ;-)

--
Jani in WA

"JoeSpareBedroom" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Janet B." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Wayne Boatwright" <wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

>
> Excerpts from
> http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html
>
>
> The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
> ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
> It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
> didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
> Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
> "The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
> undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
> products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
> pathogens found in many uncooked products."
>
> It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
> their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
> senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
> with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
> some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
> thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone
uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

--
Wayne Boatwright

Our local TV station bought a bunch of pot pies (Banquet and Marie
Calendar are the ones I remember). Here's the story. Banquet didn't
come to temp, Marie Calendar did http://tinyurl.com/2qfrbx

Janet

That's a silly article. It proves what Wayne said: A lot of people are too
dumb to understand that without exception, *all* microwave instructions
are only guidelines. Sometimes you get lucky and things cook right, as per
the guidelines. Other times, you have to use your brain (if any).

Using your brain won't be helpful unless instructions are given to check the
temp of the product with an instant read thermometer and that the temp must
be X for safe eating.
Janet

Wayne Boatwright said:

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I buy
that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on their
package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone uses
is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.

Yeah, that's right. No Banquet product is safe to eat
without long and hot cooking. These Banquet pies cost
less than fifty cents each, retail. Doesn't that tell you
something about the quality? If they were required to
produce food that could be eaten without sterilization,
that would raise the cost enormously. Millions of the
poor would lose important staples of their diet.

It should be pointed out that for millions of years
people have been eating food with a little dirt or
manure in it, and that cooking is what made it safe.
It's unreasonable to apply hypochondriacal food safety
standards to _all_ food, just because some people can
afford to buy the clean stuff.

Oh pshaw, on Mon 15 Oct 2007 01:37:40p, Little Malice meant to say...

Quoted message said:

One time on Usenet said:

Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Excerpts from
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html

<snip>

Quoted message said:

I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I
buy that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on
their package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking
time. Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven
someone uses is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking
time has to be increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that
people can't figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally
stupid.

It's called "thinning the herd", Wayne... ;-)

LOL :-)))

--
Wayne Boatwright
__________________________________________________

Answers: $1, Short: $5, Correct: $25, dumb looks
are still free.

"Janet B." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"JoeSpareBedroom" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Janet B." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Wayne Boatwright" <wayneboatwright_@_gmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
> Oh pshaw, on Sun 14 Oct 2007 03:25:08p, Steve meant to say...
>
>>
>> Excerpts from
>> http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/business/yourmoney/14feed.html
>>
>>
>> The Centers for Disease Control says at least 165 people have become
>> ill with salmonella, with Banquet pot pies being the likely source.
>> It turns out that at least some of the victims of salmonella probably
>> didn't zap the pot pies long enough in the microwave. And ConAgra
>> Foods initially suggested that consumers should have known better.
>> "The company believes the issue is likely related to consumer
>> undercooking of the product. The cooking instructions for these
>> products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common
>> pathogens found in many uncooked products."
>>
>> It's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of
>> their microwave compares with others. ConAgra finally came to its
>> senses and recalled all of its pot pies. It also acknowledged problems
>> with its cooking instructions. "What we've learned is that there is
>> some consumer confusion about the microwave instructions. It says cook
>> thoroughly. How do you best explain that to consumers?"
>
> I don't know about their products, but most of the frozen products I
> buy
> that are specifically designed for microwave cooking, designate on
> their
> package the wattage of the oven for their calculation of cooking time.
> Most seem to list 1000 watts as the oven power. If the oven someone
> uses
> is less powerful, say only 750 watts, then the cooking time has to be
> increased appropriately. I find it hard to believe that people can't
> figure that out, but I guess some are just terminally stupid.
>
> --
> Wayne Boatwright

Our local TV station bought a bunch of pot pies (Banquet and Marie
Calendar are the ones I remember). Here's the story. Banquet didn't
come to temp, Marie Calendar did http://tinyurl.com/2qfrbx

Janet

That's a silly article. It proves what Wayne said: A lot of people are
too dumb to understand that without exception, *all* microwave
instructions are only guidelines. Sometimes you get lucky and things cook
right, as per the guidelines. Other times, you have to use your brain (if
any).

Using your brain won't be helpful unless instructions are given to check
the temp of the product with an instant read thermometer and that the temp
must be X for safe eating.
Janet

X=intuition.

Oh never mind. We must account for the 54% who haven't figured out that a
cup of coffee might be hot.

"Omelet" <omp_omelet@g_mail.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

They come in a special coated paper pie dish thingy that crisps even the
bottom crust nicely. It's made for nuking.

Okay. Last time I bought them they were still in foil pans. Been a while.