Food safety in summer - dishes and equipment intended for food use

Dishes matter 

Utensils and utensils that come into contact with food must be suitable for their purpose. Dishes intended for food use can be identified by the fact that when selling the product, it has been stated that the product is suitable for food use and tspecial instructions for the safe and proper use of the product have been provided during the assessment. On many products you can also find a voluntary symbol, "Malja-harukka-symbol". If you are not sure about the suitability of the product for food use when purchasing the product, ask and confirm things with the seller of the product.  Also in the home kitchen, you should pay attention to the dishes and cooking methods in use.

What kind of containers are suitable for picking berries, picking mushrooms, etc.

Collecting berries and mushrooms should be done in clean containers intended for food use, especially if there is an intention to sell them on. It is also important to remember good hand hygiene, hygienic work practices and shelf life issues, etc.

Aluminum pots and juicers

During the berry harvest, juices are preserved and jams are made, but not in containers made of aluminum. We recommend that aluminum pots and juicers, such as old "juicing machines", are not used to prepare acidic foods, for example berry-based desserts and kissel, berry-based porridges or to cook jam. The acidic liquid dissolves aluminum from the pot into the food in both cold and hot conditions. The safe container for preparing acidic foods is made of stainless steel. 

Aluminum foil as food protection

Aluminum foil can come off the food if the foil is used to protect food in a metal container. In this case, an electrical couple is created between the foil and the container, as a result of which the aluminum dissolves on the surface of the food due to corrosion and holes appear in the foil. On the other hand, for example, wrapping sandwiches in foil or protecting a ceramic dish with foil does not generate an electric pair. Aluminum containers or foil are not recommended for contact with acidic or salty foods. Aluminum foil packages have good instructions for use, which should be read before using the foil.

Beware of using beer cans when grilling

The summer chefs are introduced to the most diverse preparation methods that use unusual tools such as beer cans. The unconventional use of metal cans and other food packaging has its own dangers. They may transfer foreign substances into the food, which can be harmful to health. To avoid the intake of foreign substances, you should avoid strange food preparation methods and not try them.

Old dishes

Old dishes may have accumulated in the home and cottage, the safety of which is not guaranteed to be used. It is safest to leave old Kolho-looking ceramic pots and worn, cracked and dented dishes unused. Also with regard to newer items, it is worth evaluating whether they are suitable for food use at all. Especially ceramic jugs and mugs brought as souvenirs may dissolve lead. They should only be considered decorative items.

Others that come into contact with foodstuffs ns. contact materials include:

• Food packaging materials such as plastic bags, plastic films, paper bags, cardboard boxes, foils, disposable containers
• dishes and cutlery 
• cooking utensils such as pots, frying pans and baking trays, ladles and whisks
• food preparation equipment such as a food processor, whisk, juicer and coffee maker
• parts of food preparation equipment such as equipment seals, hoses, pipes and trolleys.
• various surfaces such as desktop surfaces, conveyor belts, filter cloths and so on.

In practice, all materials and accessories that are intended to be in contact with food, are already in contact with food or can be assumed to come into contact with food are contact materials.

Food control wishes for a food-safe end of summer!

More on the subject Handling and storage - Food Agency

For more information: Environmental engineer Tiina Päätalo, tiina. patataloimatra.fi (tiina[dot]paatalo[at]imatra[dot]fi)