Aluminium in food packaging
How to use aluminium safely in food packaging and cookware, and how its use is regulated.
Aluminium is found in some foods for several reasons. It might be in a food because:
- it occurs naturally
- it migrates to food from aluminium cooking utensils and packaging
Which foods contain most aluminium?
Some plants have high levels of aluminium, including:
- tea
- some herbs
- some leafy vegetables
Are the levels of aluminium in food safe?
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) regularly measures the amount of aluminium in our diet. They have found that levels of aluminium consumed in food are well within the World Health Organisation's safety guidelines.
How is aluminium from food contact materials regulated?
Materials and articles that come into contact with food must follow strict rules. The regulations set out the general safety requirements for metals and alloys.
Materials such as aluminium must be manufactured in a way that prevents them affecting the food or making it harmful. They must not change the nature, substance or quality of the food.
Safely using foil and aluminium cookware
Studies have shown that cooking foods in aluminium containers increased the aluminium content in the food, but only by a very small amount. However, it is best not to use aluminium products with very acidic foods such as rhubarb as it can give a taint to such foods.