Common Cooking Mistakes: How to Avoid Harmful Substances in Your Food

Common Cooking Mistakes: How to Avoid Harmful Substances in Your Food

If you enjoy cooking and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you likely have a variety of kitchen utensils at your disposal. However, some common mistakes could introduce harmful substances into your food. This issue has been on health organizations' radar since 2019, particularly concerning utensils made from polyamide, a type of plastic commonly used in many kitchen tools.

What Is Polyamide, and Why Is It a Concern?

Polyamide is a widely used material for making kitchen utensils such as spatulas, whisks, and spoons. It's popular due to its durability and heat resistance. However, the BfR (the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) has raised concerns about the potential release of harmful substances, known as oligomers, from these utensils into food during cooking. They published a press release based on a study that proves that these utensils can be harmful. 

Oligomers are chemical compounds that can form unintentionally during the manufacturing process of polyamide materials, specifically polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6. The concern is that these oligomers can leach into your food, particularly when the utensils are exposed to high temperatures. Although the BfR has determined that these substances are not genotoxic (meaning they do not damage genetic material), exposure to high levels of these oligomers could potentially affect the liver and thyroid over time.

How to Minimize the Risk

Given the potential risks, the BfR advises taking precautions when using polyamide kitchen utensils, especially when cooking at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius (about 160 degrees Fahrenheit). The key recommendation is to limit the time these utensils are in contact with hot food. For example, if you're cooking something that requires constant stirring or flipping, it's better to use alternatives that don't carry the same risks.

What Are Safer Alternatives to Polyamide Utensils?

Fortunately, there are several safer alternatives to polyamide kitchen utensils that don't carry the same risk of releasing harmful substances. Here are some options:

  • Stainless Steel: Stainless steel utensils are highly durable, heat-resistant, and don't leach chemicals into food. They are a great option for cooking at high temperatures.

  • Wood: Wooden utensils are a traditional choice and are naturally heat-resistant. They do not release harmful substances and are ideal for use with non-stick cookware as they won't scratch the surface.

  • Ceramic: Ceramic utensils are another safe alternative. They are non-toxic and can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for various cooking tasks.

  • Glass: Although not as common for utensils, glass is a safe material for other kitchen items like mixing bowls and measuring cups. It's non-reactive and doesn't release chemicals into food.

Cooking is an everyday activity for many, and the tools we use can significantly impact our health, so let's be aware of the potential risks they pose, especially at high temperatures.