For years, many people have been using aluminum foil to wrap up their leftover food, but experts suggest it might be time to rethink that habit.
Often, the way we store food is something we do without much thought, assuming we’re doing it correctly.
If you consume the food a few days later without any issues, it seems harmless, right?
However, Dr. Zachary Cartwright, a food scientist at Aqualab in Chicago, warns that improper storage of leftovers could lead to serious consequences.
Dr. Cartwright emphasized that aluminum foil does not provide an airtight seal, leaving food vulnerable to harmful bacteria.
He suggests that using Tupperware containers or sealable plastic bags is a safer alternative.
In an interview with Southern Living, he explained, “Aluminum foil alone cannot create a completely airtight seal because it’s not inherently adhesive and [it] doesn’t conform perfectly to surfaces.”
This lack of airtight sealing can lead to bacterial growth on food, potentially causing severe and even fatal food poisoning.
Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, also emphasizes the necessity of using airtight containers for storing leftovers.
She warned that improper storage and reheating could result in life-threatening food poisoning.
In a conversation with Mail Online regarding cold storage, she said: “Cold only slows down the growth of pathogens such as Staphylococcus or Bacillus cereus.
“Only freezing solid at minus 20°C stops food poisoning bacteria from growing.”
While it might not seem crucial to store food correctly, Freestone pointed out how rapidly bacteria can affect food.
In an article for The Conversation, she mentioned: “Bacteria exist everywhere in our world, including in kitchens – and the foods within them.
“The bacteria that cause food to spoil can grow rapidly with the right nutrients, moisture and temperatures.
“Some double in numbers in as little as 20 minutes. Leftovers can be safe to eat so long as you take the right precautions.
“But if you’re ever in doubt, or don’t think you’ll eat them within two days, storing them in the freezer will give you more flexibility than storing them in the fridge.”
So, it might be wise to invest in a few more airtight containers for peace of mind.