Freezing food in plastic bags: a common mistake doing more harm than good?
Nothing could be simpler, and if we find ourselves with excess food, it's easy to just stick it in the freezer and call it a day. But is that wise? While the freezing process offers many benefits, including time-saving and extended shelf life for our busy lives, the question is, are plastic bags the best choice for this purpose?
4:28 PM EST, January 10, 2024
Is freezing in a plastic bag a good idea?
When preparing frozen food, many of us grab plastic bags, stuffing our freezer's drawers full of goodies. It seems like the smart choice because other plastic types might crack under low temperatures, which we clearly don't want. Though this method is fast and economical, the question remains — is it best for our health?
When freezing food, it's essential for it to be tightly secured. This ensures the retained flavors and properties of the items. However, foil appears to fail in this regard, as frozen food can often change its consistency or even develop a strange smell. Regrettably, it's not uncommon to see food stored in the same shopping bags it was brought home in, which is another major faux pas. The bacteria and dirt on these bags can not only disrupt the freezing process but might also seep into the food, affecting our health.
Is there a "cool" side to refreezing in ice cream containers?
Without a doubt, most of us have used ice cream containers for freezing at least once. They're airtight and often house pre-cooked meals, so they seem ideal. Unfortunately, this practice doesn't do our food any favors. Storing warm meals in plastic can release microplastic, posing a threat to our health. Consequently, the taste and nutritional value of the food are altered, changing from nutritious to potentially harmful.
It's crucial NOT to store meat and dairy in plastic bags or containers because they can become breeding grounds for E. coli and Salmonella bacteria. Consuming food with these bacteria can lead to serious digestive system issues.
It's not widely known that there are special containers designed specifically for freezing. These provide a convenient and safe solution, preventing air from reaching the food and starting decomposition. Labeling frozen food with a date is vital so we know when it should be consumed. The maximum freezing period is one year assuming the food is stored correctly in the correct containers and bags.
