For transport or to protect against germs - if you want to keep something of your food and its leftovers for a long time, you need to protect it better from environmental influences, for example with packaging material. At the moment, people are primarily reaching for beeswax wraps. The sustainable alternative to conventional plastic films is also very popular as a homemade Christmas present.
But be careful: The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) points out dangers when handling the packaging material. If used incorrectly, cleaned or manufactured in-house, harmful substances can get into the food.
If you want to give homemade beeswax wraps as a gift for Christmas, you should pay attention to three important things:
The fabric as the basis of the beeswax cloth
Beeswax wraps come into contact with food. Therefore, the selected substance must be suitable for food contact.
“Randomly selected and dyed textiles can release their printing ink components into the food.”
Saskia Vetter, food expert at the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Center (VZSH)
Harmful substances such as primary aromatic amines are sometimes classified as carcinogenic by the BfR. When choosing fabric, consumers should therefore make sure to use undyed and unprinted GOTS-certified cotton. This should be washed and dried before processing.
The wax
“Under no circumstances should old candle residues be used as wax for the cloth, as harmful substances lurk here too.”
Saskia Vetter, food expert at the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Center (VZSH)
At first glance, a sustainable alternative may seem to be beeswax. But be careful: bees often collect nectar from flowers that have been treated with pesticides. If this wax is used for oilcloths, the substances that are harmful to humans can be transferred to the food and enter the body. Consumers should also make sure that the beeswax used has not been extended with mineral oil-based substances such as paraffin wax. Only when the beeswax meets the requirements as a food additive can harmful contamination with harmful substances be ruled out.
The oil
Jojoba oil is often used to make beeswax cloths supple. This can pass into the food, especially if the packaging is greasy. A toxic effect has already been proven in animal experiments. The VZSH therefore advises against using jojoba oil to make beeswax wraps.
Reusable packaging – alternatives to the alternative
Even if all the criteria for a safe homemade beeswax wrap are met, we recommend using the alternative packaging material responsibly. Due to their nature, it is often advised to only clean the cloths with lukewarm water and a little detergent. However, pathogenic germs can only be removed inadequately. If in doubt, contaminated beeswax wraps must be disposed of.
Alternatives to the alternative can be reusable packaging made of glass, stainless steel or plastic. These materials are often dishwasher-safe, meaning they can be cleaned germ-free at high temperatures and with cleaning agents. They also protect food from environmental influences and are even safer and more environmentally friendly than beeswax cloths.
Consumers can find more information about beeswax wraps HERE .
Source:
Schleswig-Holstein consumer advice center
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