Are Aluminum Cooking Utensils Safe?

Some concern has been expressed about using aluminum utensils for storing and cooking food. When foods are cooked or stored in aluminum containers, some of the aluminum may dissolve and be absorbed into the food.

The amount of aluminum in our diet depends on which foods we eat, the amount we of specific foods that we eat, and how the food is prepared. In recent years there has been concern about the possible role of aluminum in a number of neurological disorders. Scientists have found levels of aluminum in the brain tissues of some patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia-type diseases that has caused concern.

Acidic foods may react with aluminum cookware depending on the temperature, cooking time, cooking methods, and how long the food is in contact with it. Fortunately, the amount of aluminum absorbed into food from cooking utensils is unlikely to be harmful.

Some herbs and spices have naturally high levels of aluminum, but as we use only small amounts the intake is negligible. Of course, if large amounts are consumed it may become a problem. We should be more concerned with the aluminum found in food additives such as anti-caking agents, some baking powders, and coloring agents. The small quantities of aluminum in these additives are seldom declared on the labeling.

Overall, the amount of aluminum in our food and cooking environment is likely to be low compared to the amounts that can be obtained from consuming pharmaceutical products such as antacids, buffered analgesics, and anti-diarrheals.

However, in my opinion it is better to do without aluminum utensils and storage containers until more comprehensive research is done. To be completely safe, I have removed all aluminum from our kitchen. Over the years I have exchanged all my aluminum utensils for high quality stainless steel. It started with a set of Amway Cookware and since then all our aluminum mixing, serving and storage vessels have been replaced. This way I have no need to worry about any acid foods absorbing any metallic nasties that we can certainly do without.