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Food Safety Issues/Silicone
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Question
We were always told that teflon was safe. It was added to our pop corn packages, pots,pans, sheets, clothes, etc. Now silicone is in so many of our cooking and baking utensils. Is it really safe? Will we find out ten years from now that it causes cancer like teflon does?
Hi Kathi,
Good question -- wish I knew the definitive answer.
At the present time there is no know human side effects at the levels present in our foods (soups, vegetable release spray, juices,etc) and cooking/baking utensils.
If you are concerned I would suggest using products without silicone and avoid food products that contain silicone or dimethyl polysiloxane.
Just today I purchased a vegetable release spray that was silicone free as I too am weaning away from this product.
So...is it really safe? Time will tell.
Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension
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Answers by Expert:
Carol Schlitt
Expertise
I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience
I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.
Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.
Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
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