# Nutrition expert warnings on food packaging safety

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nutrition-expert-warnings-on-food-packaging-safety
> Updated: 2026-10-10T19:45:59.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Nutrition expert Cai Zhengliang has issued warnings regarding the potential health risks associated with the improper use of common food packaging materials.

Initial warnings focused on plastic food wrap, specifically the danger of applying wrap to food exceeding 70-80 degrees Celsius. Such high temperatures can cause the leaching of toxic chemicals, such as phthalates, into food. These additives are identified as endocrine disruptors that may damage the liver, kidneys, and reproductive health.

Subsequent warnings addressed the use of aluminum foil. Experts noted that contact between foil and certain substances—including highly acidic foods like lemons and tomatoes, as well as alcohol-based sauces and fermented seasonings—can trigger chemical reactions that release aluminum ions into food. The accumulation of aluminum is linked to potential damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, with some studies suggesting connections to Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

## Claims

- Nutrition expert Cai Zhengliang of the Taiwan Nutrition Association warns against using aluminum foil with specific ingredients. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Highly acidic foods such as vinegar and lemon can react with the aluminum in foil. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Acid can corrode the aluminum layer, releasing dissolved aluminum ions into the food. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Long-term accumulation of aluminum in the body can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Alcoholic substances like wine or mirin, and fermented seasonings like soy sauce, should not come into direct contact with aluminum foil. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Tomatoes contain significant levels of citric and malic acid. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Nutrition expert warns against using aluminum foil with certain foods

Nutrition expert Cai Zhengliang warns that using aluminum foil with acidic foods, alcohol-based sauces, or tomatoes can cause chemical reactions that release harmful aluminum ions into food.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nutrition-expert-warns-against-using-aluminum-foil-with-certain-foods

### 2026-09-17: Health risks of improper plastic food wrap usage

Nutrition expert Cai Zhengliang warns that using plastic food wrap on hot food (above 70-80°C) can cause toxic chemicals like phthalates to leach into meals, posing serious long-term health risks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-risks-of-improper-plastic-food-wrap-usage

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Cite as: Nutrition expert warnings on food packaging safety. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nutrition-expert-warnings-on-food-packaging-safety