• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
Grim reason why you should never wrap leftovers in foil

Home> Life> Food & Drink

Published 13:06 18 Dec 2024 GMT

Grim reason why you should never wrap leftovers in foil

The consequences of wrapping leftovers in foil could be 'life-threatening'

Mia Williams

Mia Williams

Featured Image Credit: JodiJacobson/Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images

Topics: Food and Drink, Health, Science, Advice

Mia Williams
Mia Williams

Advert

Advert

Advert

An expert has urged people to rethink how they store their leftover food, as wrapping things in foil could have 'life-threatening' consequences.

If there's one thing we can almost guarantee over Christmas, is a ridiculous amount of leftover food.

And when it comes to saving leftovers, most people wouldn't think twice about getting the tin foil out and sticking it in the fridge.

However, experts have warned that people could be making a huge mistake.

Advert

Food scientists have urged people to choose a different method for storing their leftovers, after concern that foil isn't completely air-tight - leading to the spread of bacteria.

Instead, the researchers are campaigning for people to use a plastic option.

Talking to Southern Living, Dr Zacharay Cartwight said: "Aluminium foil cannot create a completely airtight seal because it’s not inherently adhesive."

He added that tupperware containers or sealable plastic bags prevent any oxygen getting to the food, ensuring it is completely safe to reheat.

Advert

Not storing leftovers appropriately could land you in danger. (JodiJacobson/Getty Images)
Not storing leftovers appropriately could land you in danger. (JodiJacobson/Getty Images)

And the risk is greater than most would imagine, as poorly stored leftovers can cause 'life-threatening' food poisoning.

It causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and a fever.

While symptoms can often be managed at home, in rare cases, food poisoning can be a danger to life.

Advert

Tesco recently made the controversial decision to replace the plastic lids on their hummus pots, with plastic covers which cannot be stuck back down.

And customers are being warned that they are not completely airtight.

Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, also noted that our fridges may need to be slightly colder.

She noted that the typical fridge temperature of between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C) is not enough to stop all dangerous microbes from growing.

Advert

And stressed that freezing could be a safer option.

Researchers have claimed that tin foil may not be effective. (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images)
Researchers have claimed that tin foil may not be effective. (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images)

Studies have shown that the average household could save up to £1000 per year just by taking some time to organise their fridge.

This includes freezing items to defrost at a later date and placing food in the fridge tactically.

Advert

It is advised that meats, such as sausages, bacon, and chicken, should be stored on the bottom shelf.

This is because it prevents any residue dripping onto products below.

Dairy items like milk, cheese, and butter, should be stored at the top of the fridge.

Organising your fridge affectively could also save on energy bills as the appliance can run more efficiently.

  • Grim reason why you should never keep your milk in fridge door
  • Grim reason why you should never cook bacon in an air fryer
  • Food expert reveals 'gross' unexpected reason why you should never double-dip
  • Horrifying reason you should never eat food from a dented can

Choose your content:

16 hours ago
17 hours ago
18 hours ago
20 hours ago
  • 16 hours ago

    Authorities issue fresh safety warning on Labubu dolls over one common mistake

    Officials from both Rochdale Borough Council and Trading Standards have issued warnings

    Life
  • 17 hours ago

    Pharmacist reveals warning sign in heels of foot that could be symptom of serious condition

    While this could just down to dry skin or the heat, it could also be an early warning sign of something more serious

    Life
  • 18 hours ago

    People seriously confused after realising what ’40% chance of rain’ actually means

    A meteorologist has tried to break it down for people but some are still baffled

    Life
  • 20 hours ago

    CEO refuses to hire anyone who fails sneaky 'coffee cup test' in job interview

    For one boss, it's all to do with your 'attitude' rather than what's on your CV

    Life