Does dishwashing detergent have "antibacterial ingredients" or not? Experts slap 3 myths in the face: It's not cleaner after washing!
The dishwashing liquid used to wash pots and pans every day, or the detergents specially used for washing fruits and vegetables, are all “food detergents”. There are many types of these food detergents, some of which are advertised as organic and non-toxic. Is there any better? How should you choose when buying food detergent? The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration and Associate Professor Cheng Xu Shuzhen, who holds a bachelor’s degree in food safety, hygiene and inspection at Evergreen University, help the public clarify the correct concepts when purchasing food detergents.
Are “natural” and “organic” detergents the best? It’s actually a myth!
Is it safer to use detergents that claim to be natural and organic? Is the practicality and safety the same as the regular model?
Associate Professor Xu Shuzhen explained that whether it is fruit and vegetable detergents for cleaning food, dishwashing liquid for washing utensils, baking soda, tea seed powder, dishwasher detergents, etc., as long as they are used to clean and disinfect food surfaces or food contact surfaces, they all belong to the category. Food detergent. However, certain detergents are advertised as natural and organic to make consumers feel more at ease, but this is actually just a myth.
Associate Professor Xu Shuzhen said that the function of detergents is to remove surface dirt, not to provide food for consumption, and the active ingredients of detergents are surfactants, which are mostly chemical compounds. Therefore, whether it is a general food detergent or a food detergent with organic and natural ingredients, its function is the same, and there is no difference in practicality and safety.
In order to avoid exaggerated advertising and labeling of food detergents, in accordance with the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare’s “Principles for Labeling of Food Detergents”, detergents claiming to be “organic” must contain ingredients approved by the central agricultural authority. organic ingredients, and the words “organic” or “Organic” cannot be directly declared on the product name, packaging pictures or specific marks. Organic ingredients and content percentages can only be stated in the general text description of the product.
For detergents made with natural ingredients, only products whose ingredients are 100% natural can claim to be natural in the product name, packaging pictures, and markings. If it also contains non-natural ingredients, the natural ingredients and content can only be stated in the general text description. Taiwan Food and Drug Administration recommends that when choosing dishwashing liquid and other food detergents, the public should pay attention to product labels and advertising claims to avoid buying exaggerated and false products; more importantly, they should rinse thoroughly with clean water. This will reduce detergent residue.
Does dishwashing liquid have “antibacterial ingredients” or not? Expert slaps me in the face: It’s not cleaner after washing!
As for food detergents that place special emphasis on “antibacterial”, should consumers consider them their first choice? Associate Professor Xu Shuzhen explained that the function of food detergents is to clean food surfaces or contact surfaces, and to reduce detergent residues after cleaning. Detergents that are advertised as containing “antibacterial” mean that the antibacterial ingredients can Let the detergent be stored for a longer period of time instead of leaving it on the surface of food or containers to maintain its antibacterial effect.
The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration also emphasizes that there is not much difference in use whether food detergents have antibacterial effects. If the food still needs to be heated before it can be eaten after washing, then it is not necessary for the detergent to contain antibacterial ingredients. . Associate Professor Xu Shuzhen pointed out that detergents (often called environmentally friendly enzymes) produced by fermentation of fruits, vegetables and fruit peels may produce methanol during the fermentation process, so the methanol content in the finished product often exceeds the standard. Therefore, the public must pay special attention when making their own products or buying them.
Don’t buy detergents that claim to be food-grade or non-toxic! Taiwan Food and Drug Administration: Does not comply with labeling regulations
Associate Professor Xu Shuzhen emphasized that in order to avoid public confusion and misunderstanding, regulations stipulate that detergents cannot be labeled with Chinese or foreign words with synonyms such as “food grade” or “non-toxic”. Therefore, if you see “food grade detergent”, “non-toxic” Dishwashing liquid" and “non-toxic vegetable and fruit detergent” actually do not meet the labeling requirements. Business operators need to pay special attention when making product claims.
In addition, when purchasing food detergents, you should give priority to products with complete packaging and labeling, and avoid purchasing products with unknown origins and unclear labelling. Product labels must be in Traditional Chinese as the main language, and must include information such as the country of origin, responsible manufacturer, and manufacturing date. It is recommended to read the labels carefully before purchasing. Taiwan Food and Drug Administration reminds the public that they should understand the labeling specifications of food detergents and read product labels and instructions carefully before purchasing, so that they can buy food detergents that are truly reassuring.
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