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Plastic spoons can release harmful substances into soups, sauces, etc. when cooking at high temperatures.
For years now, all kitchen utensils made of plastic, such as wooden spoons, spatulas, etc., have been suspected of releasing harmful pollutants such as melamine, formaldehyde and similar undesirable chemical substances into the food during the cooking process. Nevertheless, quite a few people still regularly use colorful plastic spoons to stir boiling soups and sauces.
At high temperatures: How pollutants from plastic spoons get into food
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has been warning against kitchen utensils made of polyamide for several years. When cooking at high temperatures, components of the plastic – so-called oligomers – can dissolve from the kitchen utensils and then pass into the affected food. “Plastics are not inert materials. This means that they can release substances into their environment,” explains the BfR.
To be on the safe side, you should use wooden spoons, especially during longer cooking processes at high temperatures and with regular stirring. (Symbolic image) © YAY Images/Imago
Based on new toxicological data, the BfR these oligomers are not considered genotoxic (damaging to genetic material). Nevertheless, high doses would cause health effects in the liver and thyroid, which is why experts at the BfR recommend that contact between affected kitchen utensils and food be kept as short as possible, especially at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius.
Tips from the kitchen: Alternatives to polyamide kitchen utensils
The use of plastic spoons, however, is safe when preparing cold and moderately warm dishes, confirms the Association for Consumer Information. To be on the safe side, you should use wooden spoons, especially during longer cooking processes at high temperatures and with regular stirring.
For hygienic reasons, wooden spoons can be placed in boiling water for about five minutes before first use. Association for Consumer Information also recommends letting wooden spoons dry thoroughly after use and replacing them if cracks or severe discoloration appear.
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When preparing hot dishes, BfR Kitchen utensils made of stainless steel, glass, ceramic and wood are suitable. Glass and ceramic are very heat-resistant and therefore a good alternative to plastic containers when heating food in the microwave, among other things.
