While people in the west use knives and forks in their meals, many East Asian countries including Vietnam have a tradition of using chopsticks. Currently, chopsticks are made from various materials, including metals. However, the most popular and preferred material is still chopsticks made from natural materials such as bamboo and wood…
Chopsticks are the kitchen utensils that come into direct contact with the mouth, the starting point of the digestive system. Children as young as 4-5 years old start learning to use chopsticks. Therefore, the unsanitary condition of eating chopsticks can be harmful to health, ranging from mild digestive disorders to severe poisoning…
Even if they are washed after each meal, old chopsticks that have been used for a long time still become less safe; bacteria and mold settle in the cracks. Therefore, families should replace chopsticks regularly. How often should chopsticks be replaced is a question that many people are unsure of.
How often should chopsticks be replaced?
The duration of using different types of chopsticks varies depending on the material.
How often should chopsticks be replaced?
Bamboo and wood chopsticks
Bamboo and wood chopsticks are the most well-known and durable materials. Therefore, many families keep using them year after year without replacing them. In reality, chopsticks made from these materials are difficult to clean completely and always need to be stored in a dry and ventilated place to prevent mold formation.
In the hot and humid climate of Vietnam, bamboo and wood chopsticks are prone to mold. So how often should these chopsticks be replaced? The answer is every 6 months if you want to ensure the safety of your entire family.
Plastic chopsticks
With plastic chopsticks, you should also replace them early, about every 3-6 months. When there are signs such as melting, deformation, or peeling of the outer coating, you should not continue to use them.
In addition, for plastic chopsticks, do not use them for cooking, frying, or expose them to high temperatures; they not only deteriorate quickly but also release harmful chemicals to health.
Stainless steel chopsticks
This is the most durable material, so the duration of use is also the longest. You can use stainless steel chopsticks for a few years, until they become heavily scratched, discolored, with the tips worn out or distorted.
Now that you know how often chopsticks should be replaced, don’t use a set of chopsticks for many years.
What material should be used for chopsticks?
Wood and bamboo chopsticks are the most reliable choice for many families due to their affordable price, firm grip, and ease of use, durability, and health safety. However, wooden chopsticks need to be cleaned thoroughly and exposed to a dry and cool place to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria, and especially follow the regular replacement mentioned above.
Stainless steel chopsticks are more expensive than wooden chopsticks but easy to clean and durable. However, many people do not like them because they are not comfortable to hold, slippery, and difficult to pick up food. If you use stainless steel chopsticks, choose good types of stainless steel such as 304, 201, 430 to ensure food safety.
For plastic chopsticks, they should only be used with warm or cold foods. Choose products with clear origins, durable and suitable materials for eating such as melamine and polymer plastics.
According to VTC.vn