With the development of the times, more and more businesses are using aluminum foil products to package food. The usage of aluminum foil containers is becoming increasingly widespread, and it may even replace plastic containers soon. People are aware that consuming food packaged in plastic containers can affect health. So, how much do people really know about aluminum foil containers? Aluminum is a metallic element, and using aluminum foil containers for a prolonged period may harm one’s health?
In recent years, aluminum foil material has been increasingly used for cooking food, barbecue, airline meals, and other food packaging purposes. Additionally, manufacturers and businesses producing items such as powdered milk, canned goods, pharmaceuticals, and others are also utilizing aluminum foil. So, if aluminum foil containers are harmful, how come they are widely used? Setting aside other factors, they wouldn’t pass through the scrutiny of national quality supervision and testing centers if they were harmful. Let’s dive deeper into what aluminum foil is all about.
Aluminum foil is produced by compressing aluminum metal into thin sheets. According to the national standard “Refined Aluminum Foil,” toxic elements in aluminum foil should meet the following specifications: Lead: not exceeding 0.01%, Cadmium: not exceeding 0.01%, Arsenic: not exceeding 0.01%. Therefore, for packaging purposes such as barbecue and food, the best choice is high-quality aluminum foil paper, and its lead content should comply with national standards. Aluminum is a very reactive metal, easily oxidized by oxygen in the air at room temperature and pressure, forming aluminum oxide, which acts as a dense protective film, preventing further corrosion of aluminum by some substances. Additionally, aluminum foil containers are coated, so they undergo no chemical reactions in the air, and thus, no toxic substances are produced, making them safe to use. However, it’s worth noting that acidic foods should not be stored in aluminum foil containers as they can damage the surface oxide layer, accelerating corrosion.
Aluminum foil containers can be directly heated in microwaves or over open flames without the risk of danger, providing great convenience to people. The ability to recycle and reuse used containers reduces pollution and saves resources, making it a favorable choice. Against the backdrop of increasing environmental awareness, these containers have seen rapid development in recent years, with many businesses vying for market share, suggesting promising prospects for the future.