Packing food in aluminium foil is dangerous

January 29,Kathmandu. Whether it is packing your child 's school tiffin or lunch box for office, the use of aluminium foil for wrapping food is very common. It keeps the food hot and fresh for a long time. However, there has always been a difference of opinion about whether packing food in aluminium foil is right or not.

According to the National Environmental Health Association, aluminum foil can be used for cooking or packing food, but it is not completely safe. Especially the toxic substances of aluminum can get mixed in sour things like tomatoes and vinegar. Its risk increases further in hot flame.

What is aluminium foil?

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 food items, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics.

Why do people pack food items in aluminium foil?

It is easy to pack food in aluminium foil. It is very cheap and is easily available in the market. Roti, paratha can be easily wrapped in it. Also, it keeps the food fresh and hot for a long time. That is why most people use it.

What is aluminium foil?

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 food items, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics.

Why do people pack food items in aluminium foil?

It is easy to pack food in aluminium foil. It is very cheap and is easily available in the market. Roti, paratha can be easily wrapped in it. Also, it keeps the food fresh and hot for a long time. That is why most people use it.

There may be hindrance in the growth of children

The toxic substances present in aluminium can hinder the growth of children when exposed to food. This affects their overall cognitive function, including their ability to remember and make decisions.

Dementia risk

Eating hot food packed in aluminum foil for a long time also harms brain health. This increases the risk of serious diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.

What kind of food items should not be packed in aluminium foil?

Dr. explains that aluminum foil is more dangerous for acidic food. This can spoil the taste and quality of food. Packing it in aluminum foil should be avoided. Apart from this, some other food items should not be packed in aluminum foil. 

Some people pack food in newspaper, how correct is this?

Dr. says that packing food in newspaper can also be very harmful for health. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had issued an advisory regarding this in 2023. According to this, the paper and its ink used in printing newspapers contain dangerous chemicals. Therefore, packing food in newspaper is dangerous. This can cause digestive problems.

Which paper is suitable for packing food?

Dr. says that it is better to pack food in butter paper instead of aluminum foil or newspaper. This is a paper made of non-stick cellulose. Food does not get cold for a long time in this too. Also, it easily absorbs the extra oil present in the food. Therefore, it is considered safer for packing food. However, the best way to pack food is to use glass or steel lunch boxes.

Some people use newspaper to absorb extra oil from food, how correct is this?

Newspaper should not be used to absorb extra oil from fried items like puri, pakoras or bhatura. Instead, it is better to use kitchen tissue or paper napkin. These absorb oil well and are safe.