In the home kitchen, choosing the right cookware is just as crucial to food safety as choosing high-quality ingredients. Health and nutrition experts have highlighted the potential danger of everyday materials that can degrade and contaminate our food. The popularity of plastic is undeniable, but the truth is that when exposed to heat, it releases chemical compounds that are harmful to health.
Similarly, wear and tear on the Teflon coating on frying pans also carries the risk of releasing microparticles that end up being ingested without us even realizing it. On the other hand, plastic cutting boards not only deteriorate with cutting, but also become a breeding ground for bacteria. Given this situation, it is advisable to consider safer alternatives such as stainless steel or cast iron pans, durable silicone spatulas, and hygienic bamboo cutting surfaces.
Equipping your kitchen
It is of little use to have a room such as the kitchen, the heart of the home, designed with the latest trends, the most popular colors, and the best materials, if it is not properly equipped. Frying pans, pots, cutting boards, cutlery, and crockery are all part of the basics that a kitchen must have in order to be fully functional, beyond its design. However, we sometimes overlook details such as the material used to make these types of kitchen utensils, which could be a problem. Nutrition and food safety experts warn about certain materials which, despite their popularity, can release harmful substances or promote the growth of bacteria.
Hazardous materials in the kitchen
Among the materials we should consider hazardous in the kitchen is plastic. It is often one of the most popular and commonly used materials in kitchens due to its low price and convenience. However, it is one of the most dangerous, as continuous exposure to heat causes the material to break down, releasing harmful chemical compounds. That is why it is advisable to avoid (especially when cooking on hot surfaces) the use of plastic spoons and spatulas, replacing them with safer and more sustainable options, such as treated wood or resistant silicone utensils.
Another tool that experts are keeping an eye on is Teflon nonstick pans. At one time, they were a real game changer in kitchens, found in practically every home. However, wear and tear from daily use can release microparticles from the coating. When these fragments come into contact with food, they can be ingested. Given this danger, experts recommend choosing more durable options that do not compromise health, such as stainless steel or cast iron.
Last but not least, experts have also focused on plastic cutting boards. At first glance, they are hygienic and very easy to clean, but the truth is that their surface deteriorates with each cut, creating small cracks where microorganisms accumulate. In addition, as with Teflon, small pieces that break off can end up in food and be ingested. To choose a safer option that can maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, experts recommend choosing antibacterial wood or bamboo cutting boards.
With all this information, it is now up to you to go to the kitchen and check if you have any of these tools, and if necessary, decide to replace any of them!