Don t use plastic wrap like this anymore, how to choose and use plastic wrap healthily

Mondo Gastronomy Updated on 2024-03-08

1. What are the classifications of plastic wrap?

Plastic wrap, as the name suggests, is an everyday product used to encapsulate food and reduce the contact of oxygen in the air with food. By slowing down the oxidation and spoilage process of food, plastic wrap effectively prolongs the preservation time of food while maintaining the humidity and freshness of food. Not all plastic wraps are the same, and they can be divided into several types depending on the material used, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Polyethylene (PE) plastic wrap:As the most common plastic wrap material on the market, polyethylene is popular for its safety and breathability. While PE cling film is relatively thermally stable and stretch-resistant, it is suitable for most everyday needs, including microwave heating, although it is not recommended for prolonged periods of time or at ultra-high temperatures. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic wrap:p VC cling film was very popular in the early days, mainly because of its high transparency and good ductility. However, with concerns about the safety of the plasticizers it contains, such as phthalates, the use of PVC plastic wrap has been limited.

PVC plastic wrap may release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures or oily foods, so it is not recommended for heating food. Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) plastic wrap:p VDC cling film is used for specific needs due to its excellent barrier properties and high temperature resistance.

Although relatively costly, PVDC plastic wrap is safe to use for heating, providing more options for families who need to heat food in the oven. Biodegradable material plastic wrap:With the increase in environmental awareness, plastic wrap made of polylactic acid (PLA) and other biodegradable materials has become a new choice. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also offer new possibilities in terms of safety, although their cost and availability may vary. 2. Use plastic wrap safely to protect the health of your family

In the TCM concept of health preservation, keeping food fresh and pure is considered essential for maintaining good health. The freshness of food directly affects the health of the spleen and stomach, which is the "acquired foundation" of the human body, which is related to the generation and transportation of qi and blood.

Therefore, choosing and using safe plastic wrap is not only necessary to protect food quality, but also an important measure to maintain good health. Regarding the potential risk of plasticizers in PVC cling film, TCM also advocates the choice of natural and harmless materials to reduce the negative impact on the body. Although the use of plasticizers in compliant PVC products meets the relevant safety requirements, their use at high temperatures is still noteworthy. In daily life, by choosing PE or PVDC plastic wrap with higher safety, you can avoid the migration of chemicals caused by high temperatures and protect the health of your family. 3. Precautions for the use of plastic wrap

When using plastic wrap, the devil is in the details. Some key usage recommendations:Check the product label: Before buying plastic wrap, you should carefully check the product label to confirm its material and whether it is suitable for heating. Choose products marked with the "Food Only", "Food Safety Approval" or "QS" logo for added peace of mind. Avoid use at high temperatures: For plastic wrap that is not suitable for high temperature heating (especially PVC material), avoid using it during cooking.

If you need to heat food in the microwave, it is best to use plastic wrap made of PE or PVDC material, and pay attention to the heating time should not be too long. Avoid direct contact with high-fat foods: Some types of plastic wrap may "bleed" when in contact with high-fat foods. While this does not mean that the plastic wrap is dissolved, it is recommended to use containers or other isolators to pack this type of food for safety. 4. How to choose and use plastic wrap healthily

In daily life, the reasonable choice and use of plastic wrap is an important measure to keep food fresh and ensure the health of the family.

Preference is given to PE or PVDC materials: Both of these materials are relatively good in terms of safety and applicability, especially when food needs to be heated. Purchase through regular channels:Make sure that the plastic wrap you buy comes from reliable manufacturers and sales channels to avoid buying substandard products. Learn to recognize signsUnderstanding and recognising food safety signs and heating instructions can help us better select and use plastic wrap to ensure the safety and freshness of food. Proper storage: After plastic wrap is used, it should be stored properly. Avoid exposing it to high temperatures or direct sunlight to prevent changes in material properties that affect the safety of use.

Replace at the right time: Even the highest quality plastic wrap should not be reused for a long time. During use, if the plastic wrap is damaged, sticky or color change, it should be replaced immediately to avoid contamination of the food.

Eco-friendly choiceWhere possible, consider using reusable preservation solutions such as food-grade silicone lids, beeswax cloths, etc., which are not only good for health but also help reduce environmental pollution. Winter health care needs attention

Related Pages