Theoretically, bamboo chopsticks should be replaced once every 3 to 6 months. Using chopsticks for more than 6 months may breed aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is classified as a 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization. After entering the human body, it remains the most in the liver (5~ 15 times that of other tissues and organs), so it is also the most harmful to the liver. Although aflatoxin is indeed the cause of some liver cancers, it is necessary to reach a certain dose, so there is no need to be too nervous. Of course, in order to reduce this part of the risk, it is still necessary to replace or disinfect it regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent the disease from entering the mouth. How to judge whether chopsticks should be changed? Let's get to know each other.
In these three situations, change chopsticks quickly.
1, chopsticks are discolored and moldy.
After using ordinary chopsticks for 3-6 months, the color of the chopstick head will become darker. Even if it is carefully scrubbed, it is the color change caused by the long-term accumulation of bacteria. Before eating, carefully observe whether there are spots on the surface of chopsticks, especially mildew spots. If there are spots on chopsticks that are not the natural color of bamboo or wood, they are probably moldy and cannot be used. Chopsticks that have changed color and have mildew spots are likely to breed "aflatoxin", so it is best to replace them quickly.
2. Scratches and wear
Whether it is bamboo chopsticks or wooden chopsticks, in order to prolong the service life, manufacturers usually brush a layer of edible paint-raw paint on the surface of chopsticks, so that the surface of chopsticks is not easy to be attached by bacteria. However, when chopsticks are used for a long time, the lacquer on the surface will fall off or be damaged. Frequent use and scrubbing will leave deep and shallow scars on chopsticks, which will make the surface of chopsticks rough and prone to microbial residue and breeding. Therefore, once chopsticks are found to be scratched, worn or deformed, they should be replaced in time.
Step 3 smell
Chopsticks are bent, deformed, moist or sour, which are all signs of pollution or expiration and can no longer be used.
What does a pair of healthy chopsticks look like?
1, material: sanitary bamboo chopsticks and stainless steel chopsticks.
Bamboo chopsticks are made of natural materials and are not easy to deform. Considering safety, hygiene and price, bamboo chopsticks are the best choice. Stainless steel chopsticks are more hygienic. But at present, the quality of stainless steel chopsticks is mixed. If the quality is not up to standard, it may lead to heavy metal precipitation. Long-term contact with vinegar and salt should be avoided when using, and heavy metals should not be dissolved by cleaning with cleaning balls or strong acid and alkali. Although the surface of metal chopsticks is also worn, it is not easy to hide evil and tolerate evil.
In addition, there are many melamine chopsticks on the market, which look similar to plastic. If it is cleaned, the chances of bacteria breeding are very small, but you must look for the QS mark when buying, and beware of counterfeit and shoddy products that are not heat-resistant and easy to release carcinogen formaldehyde.
2, color: it is best to choose the primary color.
When buying chopsticks, no matter what material, pattern, bright color or uneven surface is the most taboo. It is best to choose chopsticks with primary colors (no coloring, no painting) and integrated molding (smooth, no scoring, no carving). This is because, in the dyeing process, colored chopsticks may also cause harmful substances to remain, once the pigment falls off and is eaten by mistake, it is not good for health; The uneven surface will shelter evil people and become a hotbed of bacteria and mold.
3. Chopsticks painted with raw lacquer are better than "naked color".
Many people think that "nude" chopsticks are hygienic and environmentally friendly. In fact, without a layer of raw lacquer, chopsticks are more likely to absorb water, wear and crack, food residues remain in the cracks, and bacteria breed. Painting with raw lacquer is like putting a protective film on chopsticks, which can be waterproof.