Even though theyre made from plant-based sources, meat-free burgers have food-safety considerations of their own.
Here we explore safe storage, cooking temps and allergen contamination risk for plant-based meat alternatives.
McDonald’s and other chain restaurants have started to use those brands in their first plant-based burger offerings.
Photo: Getty Images / Radoslav Zilinsky / from_my_point_of_view
Even Chipotle now has a plant-based chorizo protein option.
Many people consume plant-based meat substitutes as a way to cut down on meat in their eating routines.
But, as with any new product, there are several health and food-safety considerations to take into account.
Just because they are made from plant-based sources does not guarantee they’re safer to consume than meat.
Several of these ingredients can beprocessed in different ways, usually at high temperatures and high pressures.
During processing, time and temperature are critical for inhibiting microbial growth in foods.
Researchers have expressed concern that plant-based meat alternatives are susceptible to post-processing contamination as well.
Onestudyarticulated that “the storage and handling of these products should mimic that of raw meats.”
If frozen, these products should be thawed safely in the refrigerator.
Meanwhile, many people are enjoying these products at restaurants and at home.
