Key Update

Consumers across the country are questioning the safety of aluminium foil used to wrap food, fearing exposure to “heavy metals” and a possible cancer risk. Experts counter these concerns and clarify that aluminium is not a heavy metal, is not listed as a carcinogen, and usually enters the body in extremely small, harmless amounts.

To clear the confusion, Raipur-based oncologist and cancer surgeon Dr Jayesh Sharma released an educational video on social media. In his video, he explains why aluminium plays an important role in cookware and packaging, how it behaves when heated, and why the current panic has no scientific basis.

Why Aluminium Plays a Major Role in Food Use

Dr Sharma highlighted three clear reasons:

• Aluminium is abundant and lightweight: It ranks among the most common metals on Earth and weighs far less than heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, or arsenic.
• Aluminium shows low reactivity: It hardly reacts with most foods, so only tiny traces enter the food even during heating.
• The body eliminates aluminium efficiently: The kidneys filter out the small amount the body absorbs, preventing any build-up—something heavy metals tend to cause.

Dr Sharma also clarified that aluminium toxicity occurs only in extreme situations. He stressed that researchers have found no evidence linking aluminium to cancer. He explained that the average Indian consumes about 60–80 mg of aluminium without harmful effects, and regular food contact rarely reaches this level.

Practical Steps to Minimise Aluminium Exposure

Dr Sharma stated that aluminium foil and utensils are generally safe, but he encouraged consumers to follow a few sensible practices:

• Use aluminium vessels at moderate heat instead of extremely high temperatures.
• Prepare acidic or sour dishes in non-aluminium cookware.
• Store acidic foods—especially pickles—in glass or steel containers instead of aluminium.

The Bigger Picture

Dr Sharma urged people to pay more attention to the food they choose rather than the container they use. He stressed that unhealthy food habits pose far greater risks than aluminium foil. He explained that worrying about aluminium while frequently consuming fast food shifts the focus away from the real health hazards—the food itself.

Source: The Hindustan Times