Sunday 01/December/2024 – 07:14 AM
Food safety experts have warned of the impact of using foil on public health, as it is one of the most common items in many homes, and therefore wrapping food using foil can lead to serious food-borne diseases, according to what was published by the Health and Me website. .
Uses of tin foil
Aluminum foil is used to trap moisture during cooking and to line baking trays. However, when it comes to storing leftover food, aluminum foil may pose a serious health risk. Poor storage practices, such as wrapping food in aluminum foil, can lead to serious diseases transmitted by Food.
Food safety experts noted that although aluminum foil can be tightly wrapped around a piece of food, the seal is not airtight, as the lack of an airtight seal leads to oxygen leaking through the seams, creating certain environmental conditions that promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
Chemical hazards associated with tin foil
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against poor food storage, especially in warm conditions, where bacteria thrive, including:
Staphylococcus
This type of bacteria can easily contaminate food on human skin if hands are not washed before handling food, as staphylococci multiply very quickly and produce toxins that are not destroyed during cooking.
Bacillus cereus bacteria
These bacteria are often associated with rice and starchy foods, and can cause severe food poisoning if the food is stored or reheated improperly.
Escherichia coli bacteria
Although rare, it can grow in improperly stored food scraps, causing life-threatening diseases, and tin foil reacts chemically with some foods such as tomato-based sauces.
How to store leftovers safely
A number of tips must be followed to reduce the risks associated with storing leftover food. Food safety experts recommend a number of principles, which are:
Use airtight bags
Choose sealed plastic bags or plastic bags rather than aluminum foil bags, as these options prevent oxygen from reaching the food, greatly reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
Limit the use of chips
Only aluminum foil can be used if you do not have plastic wrap and the storage time is limited to two days. Wrap the aluminum foil or place a layer of plastic wrap over it to seal.
Correct freezing practices
By freezing food before its expiration date, storing it in clean, closed containers, and by thawing food well in the refrigerator and eating it within 24 hours of thawing it.
