Does using aluminum foil to wrap food cause cancer?

Many people believe that storing hot food in aluminum foil can cause cancer because the food is easily contaminated with heavy metals. Is this true? (Hong, 37 years old, Hanoi )

Reply:

Information that aluminum foil food packaging has a risk of cancer or is contaminated with heavy metals is not scientifically based. Aluminum foil is very light and thin, often used to wrap, wrap, cover or line the bottom when cooking and preserving food. Many people also use aluminum foil to line the bottom of the air fryer because it is convenient and easy to clean after baking.

In general, using silver or silver utensils when preparing food is safe if you know how to use it properly. Silver foil is actually aluminum foil. Since ancient times, people have used aluminum pots for cooking. When used, the aluminum foil conducts heat well, helping food cook evenly and quickly, limiting the amount of oil in the food when baking. In addition, using aluminum foil to wrap food helps create a better flavor.

Studies around the world have also shown the benefits of aluminum foil in food preservation. In short, using aluminum foil is safe and does not cause cancer.

You can choose a good, thick aluminum foil to bake food. When using aluminum foil in an air fryer, if you want the food to not stick, you should apply a layer of butter or oil or non-stick spray. In addition, you should not put aluminum foil in the microwave, this can quickly destroy the aluminum foil, the microwave cooks food with electromagnetic waves, which can cause fire and explosion.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh
Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology

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