Does Galvanized Sheet Metal Contaminate Food

4 101 15 galvanized metal use limitation galvanized metal may not be used.

Does galvanized sheet metal contaminate food.

Stainless steel and galvanized materials often are found together in the industry with applications such as galvanized fasteners stainless steel pressure vessels and roof and siding panels. Only acidic foods should not come in contact with galvanized steel according the the u s. The acid in some foods reacts with the zinc coating to form salts that are readily absorbed by the body and in excess could cause a very mild sickness. When we say it s not food safe we mean you should not cook in zinc pots or serve food out of zinc containers because of the possibility of acidic food or drink dissolving the zinc and you consuming too much of it.

Using the same logic you may want to avoid growing plants in galvanized steel that require acid soils. Zinc is not poison. For most foods contact with galvanized steelis perfectly safe. But bare galvanized metal is not a food safe material for two reasons.

Some galvanized metal is hot treated with an. Galvanized metal containers are not considered safe for cooking or storage of food. Cooking utensils and storage containers are commonly not made of galvanized steel. The galvanizing process creates a coating to the metal that prohibits rust.

The presence of two dissimilar metals in an assembly is not always a sign of trouble but it could be a problem. Galvanized steel has been used for almost 2 000 years because of its unrivaled ability to last a very long time and resist rust. The main risk is from contact with acidic food like pickles. Not all galvanized steel is coated in pure zinc.

But many stainless steel alloys also contain a high percentage of chromium at least 18 percent which is even more reactive than iron. Acidity increases the presence or leaching of zinc. Sheet steel either corrugated or smooth will be fully submerged in molten zinc. Galvanized fencing is fine.

Cold prevention tablets are one example of the deliberate consumption of zinc. Food drug administration. Stainless steel types such as 304 or 316 are a mix of elements and most contain some amount of iron which easily oxidizes to form rust. However in some cases galvanized containers such as garbage cans are pressed into service for large scale cookouts or other meals.

It s generally recommended not to drink acid juices or other beverages from galvanized metal containers. This coating contains zinc which can be toxic when consumed. This information from oar food sanitation rules page 46. This creates a uniform layer on the steel s surface.