Jeannie Nichols,Michigan State University Extension-
Don't take any chances with your kitchen appliances; know that what you are using is safe for your family.
We think it makes sense that our food would be contaminated if it contained chemicals, but did you know that our food can be contaminated by certain types of utensils and equipment?
Using soaps and other cleaners, polishes and pesticides in our food would definitely chemically contaminate our food. In addition to these types of chemicals, there are certain types of kitchen pots, pans, plates, equipment and glasses that can also chemically contaminate our food. These will includelook(which may contain some copper, silver or lead), copper, zinc, galvanized items and some types of painted ceramics, all of which are not food safe and should not be used with food. This is especially true when foods with a high acid content, such as orange juice, come into contact with these materials.
It is important to know that a pan with a copper bottom, where the copper is on the outside of the pan, is completely safe. The food will not touch the copper. When food touches each otherleiden,zinkor copper, these chemicals can seep into the food and cause chemical poisoning in the body.
Crystal actually refers to stained glass. ThatFood and Drug Administration(FDA) recommends that no food or liquids be stored in itlead crystal glasswaredue to the possibility of lead contamination. The FDA also recommends that lead crystal not be used every day and that occasional use is okay. It is known that pregnant women and women of childbearing age, as well as babies and children, should not use crystal objects at all. Lead can damage the nervous system, kidneys and bone marrow.
In the past, lead crystal was mainly used for making smart drinking glasses, wine glasses and other specialty glassware. Due to the health risks of lead, it is difficult to find new beautiful glasses, wine glasses or alcohol decanters. Lead-free crystal can be found, which has almost the same properties as lead crystal.
Symptoms of chemical contamination vary depending on the chemical in the food and of course the amount of the chemical. Most diseases develop within minutes. Vomiting and diarrhea are typical. If you suspect chemical contamination, seek emergency assistance immediately.
Michigan State University Extensionoffers these tips to prevent chemical contamination of food:
- Never store chemicals of any kind near food
- Always store chemicals in their original containers
- Never spray cleaning products near food
- Ensure that food does not come into direct contact with copper, lead, zinc or galvanized kitchen appliances
- Do not store food or drinks in lead crystal glasses and containers
- Ceramics made in other countries may not be safe for use with food
- Ceramics made in the United States today must meet lead guidelines and be safe to use
- Ceramics should have a label such as – “safe for use in food”
- If you are unsure whether your kitchen appliances contain copper, lead or zinc, do not use them for food
Keep your family safe by storing and using chemicals carefully and only using kitchen appliances that you know are safe for food.
