Although dangerous foods are generally thought to be packaged foods, jams and marmalades that are frequently consumed for breakfast can also pose a serious danger. Ugur Toprak, Head of the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers, pointed out that microbiological and hydroxymethyl furfural called HMF problems can be encountered in jams and marmalades produced under inappropriate conditions, and said, “The compound we call HMF, which is formed in jams that remain at a certain temperature for a long time, can even form tumors. Also, it can cause tumors in the skin and in the eyes. “It can cause some injuries,” he said.
PRODUCTION INCREASED AT HOME AND BUSINESS
With the arrival of the winter season, many citrus products such as orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, kumquat, bergamot and citrus came from the farm to the table. Along with the production of citrus fruits, the production of products such as jam and marmalade has increased both at home and in businesses. However, jams and marmalades made under inappropriate conditions can cause many health problems.
CAN CAUSE WOUNDS ON THE SKIN AND EYE
Ugur Toprak, Head of the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers, said, “Jam and marmalade are made from citrus derivatives, especially oranges, during the winter period. We can encounter 2 problems in improper production. The first is microbiological problems. The other is hydroxymethyl furfural, which we call HMF. Microbiological problems are the formation of mold and yeast. Long “The compound we call HMF, which is formed when you stay at a certain temperature with your mouth open for a long time, can even form a tumor. It can also cause some wounds on the skin and eyes. Therefore, care must be taken to prevent them from forming,” he said.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PREPARE AND STORAGE JAM AND MARMELATE UNDER THE CORRECT CONDITIONS
Pointing out that this type of jam can cause tumors, wounds or food poisoning if consumed too much, Toprak said, “Especially in jam production, care should be taken to ensure that the equipment, jar and environment are clean. It is necessary not to close the lid of the jar immediately when filling it hot. Because water droplets that will form are one of the most important causes of mold growth. “It will be one of those. It is necessary not to keep the products in a place that receives sunlight. Because it can cause the formation of HMF. It is necessary not to boil the sugar too much, especially in sugary products. So it is important to ensure that it does not caramelize. It is necessary to produce the product quickly when making jam,” he said.
DO NOT CONSUME MOLDY FOODS
Toprak said, “It is wrong to throw away the moldy part and use the rest. It causes health problems depending on the density of the mold. In order not to cause possible food poisoning, it is necessary to destroy the products that we see as moldy, not to consume them.”
(DHA)