Beware of moldy chopsticks that may cause liver cancer

When dining in a restaurant, most people prefer to use disposable chopsticks, believing that they are more hygienic, rather than chopsticks in a sterilizer. Did you know that disposable chopsticks should also have a shelf life? Frequent use of expired disposable chopsticks will generally cause them to deteriorate and grow yellow mold, which can cause cancer.

Disposable chopsticks should have a shelf life

Experts say that from a medical point of view, the materials used to make chopsticks are usually bamboo and wood, which contain water. If they are not sealed or stored for too long, they are prone to mold growth. "Generally speaking, the shelf life will not exceed half a year."

Using moldy chopsticks can cause liver cancer

According to experts, disposable chopsticks will breed various molds over time. If moldy disposable chopsticks are used for a long time, it may cause infectious diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive system diseases at the very least. Severely moldy chopsticks will breed aflatoxin, a substance that has been widely recognized to induce liver cancer.

Experts also reminded that many citizens like to scald their chopsticks in the soup when eating noodles, thinking that this can thoroughly sterilize them. In fact, the sterilization effect is very limited. Only by boiling chopsticks in 100℃ boiling water for more than 5 minutes can the ideal sterilization effect be achieved. The more ideal sterilization method is to use a high-temperature disinfection cabinet.

In addition, household chopsticks are more likely to deteriorate than disposable chopsticks. Because household chopsticks are used frequently and washed with water for a long time, the water content in the chopsticks is particularly high, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, etc. Keeping chopsticks in the cupboard for a long time may increase the chance of them deteriorating by more than five times. Generally speaking, chopsticks should be replaced after six months of use.

How to identify expired chopsticks

1. If there are spots on the chopsticks that are not the original color of bamboo or wood, some are even black spots, it means that the chopsticks are likely to have become moldy and deteriorated and cannot be used anymore.

2. If the chopsticks appear damp, bent, or deformed, it means they have been exposed to moisture or have been left for too long and may have exceeded their shelf life.

3. Smell the chopsticks. If there is a noticeable sour smell on the chopsticks, it is a sign of contamination or expiration and should not be used.