The not-so-shiny truth about using this kitchen staple for food storage.
Its certainly convenient, but is aluminum foil actually asafe way to store leftover food?
According to experts, its usually not.
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Unlike other popular methods of storing leftoverslike in plastic bags and Tupperwarefoil cannot create an airtight seal.
The CDC estimates that about one in every four people carry staph on their skin and in their nose.
Food can become contaminated with staph if people who carry the bacteria touch it without first washing their hands.
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Staph can multiply in food and even make a toxin that causes food poisoning even after cooking.
Cartwright said that improper aluminum foil storage also increases the risk of foodborne illnesses including Clostridium botulinum andListeria monocytogenes.
Though rare, both of these can result in serious illness.
Improper food storage can lead to other health hazards as well, including chemical reactions and contamination.
If youmustuse aluminum to store food, limit it to short periods (no more than two days).
Avoid wrapping hot or warm foods directly in foil.
Instead, let food cool to room temperature or refrigerate quickly.
Cartwright also recommends double wrapping with foil or starting by wrapping the food in a layer of plastic wrap.
Never leave food out for more than two hours.
Use Proper Containers
Airtight containers prevent contamination and reduce moisture loss.
Cartwright recommends glass or BPA-free plastic receptacles, which are suitable for both refrigeration and reheating.
Avoid metals like aluminum, which can react with acidic foods.
This helps track how long leftovers have been stored.
Be sure to reheat the entire portion at once to avoid bacterial growth.
If stored longer than recommended, it’s safer to throw it out.
