Handling cooking utensils for ingredients requires safe and hygienic management. This post will delve into key considerations to keep in mind when selecting cookware.
Significance of Glass and Stainless Steel Materials
When choosing cookware for handling food, glass and stainless steel are often considered the safest materials. Materials like ceramic or PTFE can have negative health impacts due to the chemicals used in their coatings. In particular, some ceramic cookware may use coatings that contain heavy metals. The use of PFOA in the coating of PTFE cookware was banned after it was revealed to increase the risk of cancer. Given the variety of brands using ceramic and PTFE, it's essential to pay attention to variables such as coating types and application methods for safety.
Reasons to Avoid Coating Peeling
When using cookware made of ceramic or PTFE materials, it's crucial to avoid the peeling of the coating. If the coating breaks down during cooking, chemicals can leach into the food, posing a health risk. When selecting a product, it's important to check the coating components and choose products that do not contain PFOA or PFAS. Additionally, avoiding aluminum materials is advisable as they can seep into food due to reactions with acidic substances.
Exercise Caution in High-Heat Cooking of Protein Foods
When cooking animal protein, it's important to minimize high-heat cooking. Especially in high-temperature cooking processes like frying, using cookware made of stainless steel is safer. Selecting the right material for cookware is crucial for safe cooking practices.
Risks of Using Abrasives
Using abrasives to clean cookware should be avoided. Abrasives may contain stearic acid, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, among other substances. While stearic acid and aluminum oxide do not harm the human body, silicon carbide is classified as a Group 2A probable carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Therefore, it is advisable to soak cookware in water and use a soft sponge for cleaning.
Choosing safe cookware is essential for a healthy meal. Careful consideration is needed not only in material selection but also in usage and maintenance. By adhering to these precautions, you can enjoy delicious and safe cooking.
