1.What are the characteristics and safety of the galvanized layer?
The zinc layer on the surface of galvanized steel is formed by electroplating or hot-dip galvanizing, and its main component is metallic zinc. Zinc is an essential trace element for the human body. Under normal circumstances, the chemical properties of zinc are relatively stable. In a dry environment or in short-term contact with neutral food, the zinc layer is not easy to dissolve and will not release harmful substances.
2.What are the possible risks of long-term exposure to acidic foods?
Long-term contact with acidic foods
Zinc easily reacts with acidic substances to form soluble zinc salts. For example, if kimchi or sour plum soup is stored in galvanized containers for a long time, zinc will gradually dissolve. When the zinc content in food exceeds the safety limit, it may cause acute zinc poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3.What are the risks of damage to the zinc layer due to heat or abrasion?
High temperatures will accelerate the oxidation and dissolution of zinc, especially when the zinc layer is thin or scratched, zinc may enter the food in large quantities.
Long-term friction will damage the zinc layer, the exposed steel base may rust, and zinc layer debris may also mix into the food.
4.What are the risks of inferior galvanized products coming into contact with food?
If the galvanizing process is unqualified (such as insufficient zinc layer thickness, lead and other impurities), the zinc layer is more likely to fall off or dissolve, increasing health risks.
5.Which foods are safer for galvanized steel to come in contact with?
Dry grains and dry goods: such as rice, wheat, corn, beans, dried chili peppers, dried fungus, etc. These foods have low water content and are not easy to react chemically with the galvanized layer, so they can be stored safely. Containers made of galvanized steel can provide better moisture resistance and help maintain the quality of dry foods.
Neutral processed foods: such as packaged snacks such as biscuits and potato chips, which have stable chemical properties and do not contain a large amount of acid and alkali substances. When in contact with galvanized steel, they will not cause obvious corrosion to the zinc layer. Galvanized steel packaging can protect food from external pollution and damage.
Some pickled products: such as some salted pickles, bacon, etc., during the pickling process, if the environment is neutral or weakly alkaline and is not in long-term contact, galvanized steel containers can be temporarily placed. However, it should be noted that if the pickling environment is acidic or the pickling time is long, there may still be a risk of zinc dissolution.