The consumer association UFC-Que Choisir revealed in a study dated December 1 that many silicone molds used for cooking were dangerous to health.
A “quite huge proportion of silicone kitchen molds” is considered dangerous to health, warned UFC Que Choisir’s food project manager, Olivier Andrault. This statement, obtained by France info, is not trivial and above all not insignificant. On December 1, the specialist journal published a study worrying for amateur or even professional cooks.
Out of 29 silicone kitchen molds tested by the association, 23 utensils have agents of health concern in their composition. The UFC Que Choisir magazine reveals that after the third cooking in the oven, “most of the mussels tested allow substances to migrate into the food in high quantities, even in some cases particularly dangerous substances”. The statistics obtained are surprising.
In Olivier Andrault’s interview conducted by France info – on the sidelines of the study – it was specified that 6 of the utensils tested are to be avoided. The project manager specializing in food added that it was not recommended “for consumers to use them because of the proportion of certain molecules which are noted in our analyzes”. The study revealed that among the substances transmitted to food, some “of particular concern” would be “likely to cause cancer, genetic mutations or damage to reproductive functions”. Among the molds to avoid are those of the Carrefour Home or AliExpress brands. The full list of the study is published in issue no.oh619 What to choose of December. Some kitchen utensils are, on the contrary, praised for their “perfect harmlessness” such as Tefal or Ikea molds.
“Obsolete” regulations pointed out
The study reveals a lack of control due to regulations that are more than 30 years old. These rules do not determine the maximum proportion of substances that can be released to the food during cooking. Another principle that is singled out: the free movement of goods in the European Union. As explained by the association, within this framework, which is one of the pillars of the single European market, certain member countries can market their silicone molds in France without prior checks on the safety of the products for the consumer.
The UFC association therefore contacted the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) – the authority responsible for ensuring compliance with competition and consumer rules – so that health checks be reinforced. Legislative reform is also requested from the European Commission to set stricter rules.