Page 10 - Comprehensive Food Safety

31.03.2020

METALS
Use only food grade containers for storage and cooking as contamination can occur when a
high acid food touches metals e.g. lead, copper, brass, zinc coating, cadmium, aluminium.

Do not substitute correct equipment just to get the job done – old fridge racks should not be
used for grills as they contain cadmium, so do not store food directly on the rack either. Food
needs to be protected at all stages. Chipped enamel pots and mugs may expose the metal

which can contaminate food and drink. Lead glazed ceramics may also be risky.

Foods associated with chemical poisoning from metals are high acid, like lemonade, fruit jellies,
tomatoes, fruit drinks, tea and salad dressing. Also make sure copper pipes are running well
before drinking from them.

Metals Possible Symptoms of Methods to stop this causing Most commonly found in
someone becoming ill food-borne illness: foods such as:
from this are:

CADMIUM Flu-like symptoms Purchase of seafood from an Sheep offal and shellfish -
including chills, fever, and approved vendor and use of especially oysters
muscle ache approved water source

ALUMINIUM Linked to Alzheimer’s Purchase of cookware and Acidic foods (think salsa or
disease equipment that is aluminum tomato sauce) left in
free and not using aluminium aluminium containers
cookware in food preparation
MERCURY Very toxic and causes Purchase of seafood from an Shark, orange roughy &
illness in humans approved vendor and use of oysters
approved water source

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