Why a germ expert asks you to remove the film or the plastic seal under the lid of your container after opening

Why a germ expert asks you to remove the film or the plastic seal under the lid of your container after opening

If you use Reddit frequently or participate in household debates about the storage of food, you have probably already encountered the controversy about film or plastic seals on foods such as yogurt and sour cream. Should these seals be removed or kept for additional coverage after opening? A couple debated impressively for ten years about this question before instructions from the product in question solved their dilemma. The husband found the unexpected solution under the controversial one -way seal on which a manufacturer's instruction was printed: "To extend the freshness, remove this film seal completely and dispose of it."

This clear message from the product manufacturer may solve the debate, but still lets us puzzle the original purpose of the seal. How can the leaking of this seal on an open container affect the freshness of its content? To find these answers, we consulted two renowned germ experts.

Understand the purpose of foil or plastic seals on food containers

According to Jason Tetro, a respected microbiologist and author of the book "The Germ Files", there are two main reasons for the existence of these seals. "Firstly, it helps to extend the durability - the container is usually rinsed with nitrogen before closing, which reduces the amount of oxygen inside," he explains. Nitrogen flushing is a common technology that uses food manufacturers to extend the durability of their products. By reducing the oxygen content in the container, the growth of aerobic bacteria and mushrooms is to be suppressed, which can cause food to spoil.

Secondly, these seals serve as a protective barrier for the content of the container. "It helps to prevent the penetration of chemicals and microbes that could spoil the products and/or diseases," explains Tetro.

The microbial ecologist Jack A. Gilbert, Ph.D., Professor at the University of California in San Diego, brings further clarity into this matter and explains the meaning of the seal. He describes it as a security and quality mechanism. It creates a barrier between the product and the external environment and at the same time gives consumers the certainty that the product was not manipulated before buying.

removal of the seal after opening: A decisive approach to food safety

In everyday language use, “Breaking the Seal” refers to the first visit to the toilet when consuming alcohol, which indicates that the locks are now open and there is no back. Strangely, the expression is also suitable in connection with food containers. "As soon as the seal is broken, ambient air and oxygen can penetrate the product and thus accelerate microbial growth," explains Tetro. "Whether the seal is still present or not does not matter. His only purpose is to get it from the factory to your kitchen."

Surprisingly, maintaining the seal after opening the product can increase the risk of contamination by frequent touch, warns Tetro. Therefore, he pleads for the complete removal of the seal as soon as you open the product. If you insist for some reason to keep it - perhaps because you cannot give in to the argument - it is advisable to wash your hands before touching it. However, the safest way is to recognize that seals are there to be broken and disposed of.

Further tips for improving food safety and extending the freshness

In addition to throwing away the seal, there are other effective ways to increase food safety and extend freshness:

• proper storage:

  keep perishable food chilled at 4 ° C (40 ° f) or below.

• Use clean utensils:

  Always use clean spoons or knives when immersing them in containers to avoid the introduction of bacteria.

• container close again:

  Make sure that the containers are well closed after each use to minimize the air exposure.

• Note the expiry data:

  Note the expiry data provided by the manufacturers to ensure that the food can be consumed safely.

• Pay attention to cleanliness:

  regularly clean the refrigerator and the kitchen surfaces on which you normally park your food containers.

The effects of the correct grocery storage on health

The correct storage of food not only extends the durability of products, but also plays a crucial role in the preservation of our health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every sixth American becomes sick every year by consuming contaminated food or drinks. This number underlines the importance of appropriate food safety practices, including the proper handling of food containers.

microbial growth in food can lead to food -related diseases. Some of these diseases can lead to serious complications, especially in children, older people, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system. Therefore, something can be done as simple as removing the seal from your food containers after opening to general food safety.

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final thoughts

On the whole, the discussion may appear trivial whether the film or plastic closures of food containers are to be removed or kept. However, as we found out of our germ experts, the disposal of these seals has a significant impact on the freshness and safety of the food after opening. In conjunction with other sensible storage practices for food, such as maintaining the correct storage temperature and ensuring the cleanliness of the containers, this small step can make a significant contribution to preventing the spoilage of food and associated diseases. In the end it may feel like a victory to gain the debate about the preservation of the seals, but the real triumph is in the protection of our health and the quality of the food that we consume.

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