The use of aluminum foil is very common for a child to pack a school tiffin or a lunch box for the office. The food in this lasts longer and fresh. However, there have always been differences as to whether to pack food in aluminum foil.
According to the National Environmental Health Association, aluminum foil can be used for cooking or packaging, but it is not completely safe. In particular, aluminum toxins can mix in sour items such as tomatoes and vinegar. Its risk increases with a hot substance.
So today In the news of the work We will talk about how safe it is to pack food in aluminum foil. You will also learn that-
- Is it safe to pack food in a newspaper?
- What is the right way to pack food?
Expert: Dr. Sumit Agarwal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad
Question: What is aluminum foil?
Answer- It is a very thin shiny sheet made of aluminum. According to a report by Market Research Firm 'Fortune Business Insights', it is used in packaging of foods, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics.
Question: Why do people pack food in aluminum foil?
Answer- Food pack is easy in aluminum foil. It is very affordable and easily available in the market. The bread, paratha can be easily wrapped in it. Also, it keeps the food fresh and warm for a long time. That's why most people use it.
Question: What kind of health problems can be caused by packing food in aluminum foil?
Answer- Dr. Sumit Agarwal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine Department, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, says that aluminum foil can cause many health problems. Especially if the hot food is kept in aluminum foil for a long time, the dangerous substances in the diet are mixed, which can damage health. Aluminum is a neurotoxic metal. Consuming this amount of food can cause digestive problems. Apart from this, it can cause many serious illnesses. As such-
Harmful to kidneys and bone
The kidney works to filter toxins from the body. High levels of aluminum substances can affect kidney function. In addition, aluminum can reduce the ability to absorb the calcium of the body, which can weaken the bones. Therefore, hot foods should be avoided in aluminum foil for a long time.
Children's development may have a barrier
Toxins contained in aluminum can hinder their development if children are exposed to food. This affects their entire cognitive function, including their memory and ability to decide.
Risk of dementia
Eating hot foods packed in aluminum foil also damages the health of the brain. This increases the risk of serious illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Question: What kind of food items should not be packed in aluminum foil?
Answer- Dr. Sumit Agarwal says aluminum foil is more dangerous for acidic foods. This can ruin the taste and quality of food. It should be avoided packing in aluminum foil. Apart from this, some other food items should not be packed in aluminum foil. Understand this from the following graphic-
Question: Some people pack food in the newspaper, how true is this?
Answer- Dr. Sumit Agarwal says that packing food in the newspaper can be very harmful to health. The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an advisory in 2023. Accordingly, the paper used in newspaper printing and its ink contain dangerous chemicals. Therefore, packing food in the newspaper is dangerous. This can cause digestive problems.
Question: Which paper is suitable for packing food?
Answer- Dr. Sumit Agarwal says it is better to pack food in butter paper instead of aluminum foil or newspaper. This is a paper made of non-stick cellulose. Even in this, food is hot for a long time. In addition, it easily absorbs the extra oils present in the diet. So it is considered more secure to pack food. However, the best way to pack food is to use a glass or steel lunch box.
Question: Some people use a newspaper to absorb excess oil from food, how true is this?
Answer: Newspapers should not be used to absorb excess oil from fried items like puri, pakoda or bhatura. It is better to use kitchen tissue or paper napkin instead. This oil absorbs well and is safe.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
