As of: April 4, 2024, 5:25 a.m
By: Cefina Gomez
Comments
Press
Split
Five times, ten times or more? It is usually no longer possible to track how often the baking paper has been used. Consumer protection advises caution.
Kassel – Baking paper is indispensable in many kitchens. Thanks to the thin silicone layer, it helps to keep the baking tray clean after baking without having to laboriously scrub the oven after each use. But what is the silicone layer actually all about and to what extent could harmful substances be transferred to the food?
In 2014, the Institute for Consumer Goods (IfB) Lüneburg of the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety
(LAVES) 36 samples of baking paper taken a closer look. It turned out that excessive use of baking paper can have negative effects on health. Very few consumers know that pumpkin, zucchini and potatoes can also be harmful to their health.
Can dangerous substances in baking paper transfer to food?
The institute's test kitchen examined whether the baking paper could withstand heat and whether food might be contaminated with unhealthy substances. Of the 36 baking papers examined, 23 contained the preservative sorbic acid, according to LAVES.
Consumer advocates recommend changing baking paper regularly. © IMAGO/Michael Bihlmayer
According to a recommendation from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), sorbic acid is permitted in small quantities, which serve to protect raw materials and processing aids from spoilage, but without preserving the food itself. Too much sorbic acid could also promote allergies.
The tests with the 36 baking papers from the trade showed that they met all requirements for good manufacturing practice and labeling. The baking papers that have been tested by LAVES are flawless, which means that nothing stands in the way of healthy baking if used correctly. However, snacking on raw dough should be avoided as it can be fatal.
In 2022, LAVES took another look at 15 baking papers. All tested products adhered to the limit values. Only one piece of baking paper was missing the label stating that baking paper can be used at a maximum of 220 degrees.
“Baking paper should be replaced if it is brittle or has a strong brown discoloration.”
Even if baking paper itself is harmless, according to LAVES it is advisable to limit the maximum temperature in the oven to 220 degrees Celsius in order not to endanger your health. If the baking paper is not used as labeled on the packaging, harmful substances could be transferred to the baked goods, warns LAVES.
My news
1500 euros per month - Citizen's benefit recipient emphasizes: "It's just too much money for my standards" read
WhatsApp disruption: Tens of thousands of people cannot use Messenger
Contribution service sends letters to thousands of households - if you don't respond, you risk being fined
“Accumulation of vehicles” spotted: Russia’s army is moving new tanks to Crimea
“That touched a nerve”: Breakfast café has to close shortly after opening – due to too many guests reading
Pensions in Germany: Voluntary additional payments reach record highs
“Basically, baking paper should not be used too often or for too long; if it becomes brittle or has a strong brown discoloration, it is better to replace it,” advises LAVES. If you prefer to use silicone mats or Teflon-coated baking foil instead of baking paper, you should also be careful. Teflon may contain PFAS, which is harmful to the environment and health,
ZDF
reported . The EU is currently considering a ban on the chemical, which is suspected of being carcinogenic.
Recently, experts have warned about strawberries from Morocco, which can be contaminated with dangerous pathogens.
(cg)