3 ms·
Most garbage bags are not made of food-safe plastic, so be aware that you may be ingesting substances you don't want.
by brechin 14y ago
Most garbage bags are not made of food-safe plastic, so be aware that you may be ingesting substances you don't want.
- tptacek 14y agoThis is probably mostly an issue if you heat the bag.
- brechin 14y agoNo, the USDA and pretty much anyone regulating food safety agree that storing food touching non food-safe plastics is always unsafe because the bags may be made with or coated with chemicals that WILL leach into your food. This is definitely accelerated by time (which brining involves) and temperature. Ref: http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftsep04.htm http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftsep04.htm http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/big_thaw/ http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/big_thaw/
- tptacek 14y agoThe USDA link about garbage bags is in a graf about leaving foods to thaw out in the open; "garbage bag" is in the middle of a list including "basement", "garage", "dishwasher", and "kitchen counter". It's not discussing plasticizers. None of the text on the UNL page contradicts my suggestion that the risk of chemical leaching is primarily caused by heating. Definitely don't use garbage bags if they make you uncomfortable. For years, people have also been uncomfortable about doing low temp cooks in Ziploc bags for the same reason (it turns out that this is not a valid concern, but it was a reasonable one until recently). Also! I am sure there are trash bags you definitely don't want to put food in. Some bags are scented. Some of them are stiff and sort of starchy. I'd also stick with big brands.
- brechin 14y agoFrom the UNL page, under "Plastic trash bags for food storage": "The use of plastic trash bags for food storage or cooking is not recommended by USDA '... because they are not food grade plastic and chemicals from them may leach into the food.'" From Glad themselves: "We do not recommend using Glad Trash bags for food storage." To each their own, of course. I'm happy to use zip-top bags for low-temp cooking (they are food-safe after all), but garbage bags will be reserved for use in the garbage can.
- tptacek 14y agoZiploc bags are food-safe, up to something like 85C. I would not count on off-brand bags being food safe when heated.
- techtalsky 14y agoMost grocery stores sell Turkey bags for brining, especially around Thanksgiving.
- btilly 14y agoGood point. I will pay close attention to that next year. (I just verified that the bag I used last time suggests it is not for food storage. Erk.)