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The Right Way to Use Plastic Wrap, Guaranteed to Keep Food Safe

Proper use of plastic food wrap is essential to food preservation as well as ensuring food is safe for consumption.

23 April, 2024

The Art of Preserving Food with Plastic Wraps: A Comprehensive Guide

Nowadays, plastic wraps are an indispensable tool in many households. They not only help preserve food but also save time and effort for homemakers. However, not everyone knows how to use plastic wraps correctly to ensure both effectiveness and safety.

Proper Usage of Plastic Wraps

To ensure the most effective food preservation, you can use plastic wraps in the following ways.

Choosing the Right Plastic Wrap

The first important note when purchasing plastic wraps is to avoid cheap and unreliable products. The material must be safe because it will come into direct contact with food, and it should have good heat resistance and water resistance. The wrap should also be flexible and have good adhesion for easy food wrapping.

Low-quality products can be made from unsafe plastics that can be toxic. Poor-quality wraps can also allow air and moisture to penetrate through tears, creating conditions for bacteria to grow, which can harm the health of users.

You need to know how to use plastic wrap to ensure safety. (Photo: Shutterstock)

In addition, pay attention to the intended use to choose the appropriate type of wrap. For example, PVC wrap is suitable for dry food, while PE wrap is suitable for wet food. Using the wrong type of wrap can cause food to spoil or lose flavor.

Ensure Clean and Dry Wrap

Before use, make sure the plastic wrap is clean and dry. Plastic wrap is often stored in rolls and can collect dust, grease, or moisture. Unclean wrap can contaminate food and pose health risks.

Proper Handling

When cutting plastic wrap, avoid tearing it; cut the wrap into pieces that fit the size of the food to be stored to avoid waste and ensure safety.

Make sure to wrap the food tightly so that air cannot penetrate inside. Use your fingers to press firmly on the edges of the plastic wrap to ensure a tight seal, leaving no gaps, and helping to preserve the food as best as possible. Loose wrapping can allow food to become contaminated or lose flavor.

Caution When Using Microwave

If you intend to use plastic wrap in the microwave, make sure the type of wrap you choose is safe for this purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use plastic wrap in the microwave to avoid the risk of fire and explosion.

Check Expiration Date

Always check the expiration date of the plastic wrap; do not use expired wrap to ensure food safety.

Store at the Right Temperature

Food wrapped in plastic wrap should be placed at the appropriate temperature. For example, frozen food should be stored at -18 degrees Celsius or below. For fresh food, you should also store it at a lower temperature to extend its shelf life.

Additional Uses of Plastic Wrap

By creating a sealed and low-air environment, plastic wrap helps extend the shelf life of food, reducing food waste and saving money. In addition to food preservation, plastic wrap also has the following uses:

Moisture retention: Some types of plastic wrap have the ability to retain moisture, preventing food from drying out and keeping it soft and fresh.

Chemical contamination prevention: Plastic wrap can prevent food from coming into contact with chemicals from the external environment, helping to protect the health of consumers.

Protection from mechanical impact: Plastic wrap can protect food from mechanical impacts such as bumps, scratches, or breakage during transportation and storage.

Convenience in packaging: Plastic wrap is easy to use and can be customized in size to suit each type of food, facilitating packaging and storage.

Source: VTC news

Frequently asked questions

When purchasing plastic wraps, avoid cheap, unreliable products. Choose wraps made from safe materials with good heat and water resistance. The wrap should be flexible, with good adhesion, to ensure easy and effective food wrapping. Also, consider the intended use; for example, PVC wrap is best for dry food, while PE wrap suits wet food.

Always use clean and dry plastic wrap. Cut it to fit the size of the food to avoid waste and ensure safety. Wrap food tightly, pressing firmly on the edges to create a tight seal. When using a microwave, choose a wrap safe for this purpose and follow manufacturer instructions. Check the expiration date, and store food at the right temperature.

Plastic wrap acts as a barrier, preventing food from coming into contact with external chemicals and bacteria. It also protects against mechanical impacts, reducing the risk of food contamination during transportation and storage.

Plastic wrap is convenient and versatile. It can be customized to fit any food size, making packaging and storage easier. It also helps retain moisture, keeping food soft and fresh, and extends shelf life, reducing food waste.