Is it safe to use aluminium foil for packing food?

Read this before you wrap your chapatis and sandwiches in aluminium foil the next time.

Tania Tarafdar | Updated: June 1, 2016 10:38 am

If you are preparing parathas for lunch, chances are there that you will wrap your food in aluminium foil. While using aluminium foil can keep your rotis moist and soft there is little cause for worry. You need to keep in mind that aluminium is reactive and some of the foil can leach into your meal which can pose dangers to your health.

Aluminium is a popular cookware material and it doesn’t just appear in foils. Apart from the large serving spoons pots and pans are usually lined with aluminium. High aluminium intake may be harmful to patients suffering from bone diseases and renal impairment [1]. These tests will help you detect bone diseases.

Do not wrap warm foods
You should never wrap warm foods in aluminium foil as the foil gets leached into the food you wrap and could lead to many ailments such as dementia and even Alzheimer’s [2]. Instead, you may just want to use good quality paper wrapping to wrap foods like chapattis and sandwiches suggest nutritionist Priya Kathpal.

Avoid wrapping acidic foods
Do not use foils to pack foods that are acidic in nature. This means that you should never pack dishes made of vinegar, tomato and tomato sauce in an aluminium foil. According to Priya, the acid in the food can interact with the aluminium to erode the foil and allow the moisture and bacteria get into the food.

Tip: Also, avoid wrapping leftovers in aluminium foil. Store them in glass containers instead. Ensure that you do not cook foods covered or wrapped in aluminium foil. These simple rules will ensure that the food you serve your family is safe.

References

[1] Malluche HH. Aluminium and bone disease in chronic renal failure. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2002;17 Suppl 2:21-4. Review. PubMed PMID: 11904354.

[2] Kawahara M, Kato-Negishi M. Link between Aluminum and the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease: The Integration of the Aluminum and Amyloid Cascade Hypotheses. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Image source: Getty Images

Published: May 23, 2016 5:54 pm | Updated:June 1, 2016 10:38 am

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