All 198 home baking utensils tested in a recent safety inspection passed heavy metal contamination standards. (Image courtesy of the Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment)
SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment announced on February 18 that all 198 home baking utensils tested in a recent safety inspection passed heavy metal contamination standards.
The investigation covered 14 categories of baking tools, including bread molds, cooking paper, and various baking molds commonly sold in major retail stores, bakery supply shops, and kitchen specialty stores.
Researchers classified the utensils based on the materials that come into direct contact with food – rubber, paper, synthetic resin, metal, glass, and ceramics – and tested them for potential heavy metal leaching under actual cooking conditions.
All items tested met safety standards for four types of heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel.
The institute noted that baking tools, which are made from various materials and often used at high temperatures, could potentially contaminate food with harmful substances like heavy metals if non-food-grade products are used or if items are used incorrectly.
Detailed information about the proper use of food utensils, containers, and packaging can be found on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s Food Safety Korea website (www.foodsafetykorea.go.kr).
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
