Have you heard of PFAS? These potentially harmful substances can enter our bodies in a variety of ways – for example, through the use of baking paper. We will show you helpful tips and possible alternatives.
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The abbreviation PFAS refers to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, which are often referred to as “eternal chemicals”. The Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) points out that these substances are found almost everywhere and can therefore be detected in the blood of most people. Because of their water- and grease-repellent properties, PFAS are used in most baking papers, among other things. Although the concentrations remain within the specified limits, BUND chemical expert Luise Körner warns that these chemicals can evaporate at high temperatures and thus enter food and the air.
Instead of baking paper: use oil and flour
The recommendation is not to place baking paper too close to the oven’s heating elements and preferably not to use it above 220 degrees Celsius. However, it is better to leave it out altogether. Alternatively, the baking tray could be greased and dusted with flour. The Hamburg Consumer Advice Center suggests coating the tray with margarine or a heat-resistant vegetable oil and then sprinkling with flour or breadcrumbs to prevent the biscuits from sticking to the bottom. Another method is to mix the flour and oil and spread this over the tray. Another tip for Christmas baking: you can bake biscuits such as macaroons or gingerbread directly on the untreated baking tray by placing them on wafers.
Don’t throw baking paper in the trash
To protect the environment, baking paper can be reused several times. The consumer advice center advises cleaning the paper after use with crumbs and light soiling with a damp cloth. However, if the paper shows dark brown, burnt spots, it must be disposed of in the residual waste and not in the paper waste in order to protect the paper recycling process from contamination by PFAS.
