Is storing food in Aluminium foil safe? Experts flag health concerns

06 Jan 2026, 11:53 by Devanshi Patel · KalingaTV

Many households regularly use aluminium foil or aluminium containers to store cooked food. Leftover rotis, curries, or lunch items are often wrapped in foil because it is easy to use, lightweight, and easily available. For years, it has been seen as a quick and convenient kitchen solution.
However, health experts are now raising concerns about this common practice.
Why aluminium use matters
While aluminium foil may seem harmless, studies show that the way it is used can affect health. A study published in December 2024 in the journal Food Bioscience found unsafe levels of metal in fish roasted using aluminium foil. Researchers observed that metals leached from the foil into the fish when it was cooked at high temperatures.
The study noted that a larger foil surface area led to higher metal leakage. The reduction in foil weight after roasting confirmed that aluminium and other metals had transferred into the food.
Another study examined aluminium leakage during baking. It found that aluminium levels in foods such as fish, meat, chicken, cheese, tomatoes, and vegetables increased up to 40 times when wrapped in aluminium foil.
Doctor’s warning
Dr. Chhaya Vaja, Internal Medicine Expert at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai, says there is a clear safety concern with using aluminium foil and containers for cooking and storage.

“Aluminium reacts with acidic and salty foods like tomatoes, lemon, vinegar, pickles, and spicy gravies. When such foods are cooked or stored in aluminium, some amount of the metal can mix into the food,” she said.
According to Dr. Vaja, long-term excess aluminium intake may lead to bone problems, kidney strain, and nerve-related issues. People with kidney disease are at higher risk because their bodies cannot remove aluminium easily.
She added that using thin, scratched, or damaged aluminium containers increases the risk of leaching. Wrapping hot food directly in foil and storing it for long hours can further raise aluminium exposure.
Safety measures to follow
Dr. Chhaya Vaja advises against using aluminium foil or containers for daily cooking or long-term food storage. She recommends the following precautions:
•Avoid wrapping or cooking acidic, salty, or spicy foods in aluminium foil
•Use steel, glass, or ceramic containers for storing cooked food
•If foil is used for baking or grilling, place butter paper or baking paper between the food and the foil
•Do not reuse disposable aluminium containers
•Avoid cooking food at very high temperatures directly in foil
Experts also caution people not to follow food storage trends promoted on social media without proper knowledge. Safe storage practices and expert advice can help prevent health issues linked to improper use of aluminium in the kitchen.

Also Read:Know 7 ways how you can boost your immune system this winter