Wax paper is one of the important components of the kitchen and is used as a food wrap, to line countertops while baking, and for several other reasons. Although it is a very useful kitchen component, questions about its safety and edibility persist.
Though rarely, sometimes accidental consumption of wax-coated paper can occur. Either the person may have bitten the paper with the food mistakenly, or the food may have remained stuck. No, it is mandatory to know whether it is safe or not. To get the answers to all the queries, let’s read the blog. We will discuss the composition of wax-coated papers, potential health risks, and the steps that we must take when the paper accidentally finds its way into the food.
Composition Of Custom Wax Paper
A thin layer of wax is applied to the paper, which is derived from various sources. Wax has moisture and grease-resistant properties that help retain the integrity of the paper and maintain the quality of wrapped food. This coating allows easy packing of sticky and slightly moist food items. The base paper is made from wood pulp, and the coatings are from different origins based on the requirements, such as:
- Beeswax
- Soy wax
- Paraffin wax
Can We Eat Wax Paper?
The simple answer to this question is that a paper is not edible, and it is not manufactured for consumption. It is food safe, but it is not edible. This means the components of wax paper do not add any toxins or harmful components to the food items, but the paper itself is not digestible. Some of the reasons why we cannot consume it are as follows:
Indigestible Components
The cellulose fibers used in the manufacturing of paper are indigestible to humans. Unlike some of the plant fibers that the human gut can digest, cellulose cannot be digested due to the absence of the enzyme cellulase. The processing of the wood pulp removed almost all the nutrients and left behind a material that simply passed through the human body without contributing to nutrition.
Wax Coating
Whether your custom-printed wax paper contains synthetic wax or natural wax, it remains indigestible. Beeswax and soy wax are natural components used in food paper coatings and are indigestible. Similar to this, paraffin wax is also unsuitable for consumption because it is a by-product of petroleum. All these types of wax, if consumed in tiny amounts, might not cause any major issues, but they cannot be used as a dietary ingredient.
Accidental Vs. Intentional Ingestion
Accidental consumption of wax paper does not cause any harm if it is in a small amount. This may occur when you have consumed a paper stuck to a piece of food. If you have consumed the paper in large amounts, then you may encounter gastrointestinal discomfort. In extreme cases, you may have to face gastrointestinal blockages.
Potential Health Risks Associated With Wax Paper
As we have discussed earlier, an accidental small amount of ingestion of the paper is not harmful and will pass through the digestive system without causing any health issues. Large amounts can potentially be very damaging. The potential risks associated with it are as follows:
Gastrointestinal Issues
If one has ingested the paper, this may lead to stomach discomfort as the stomach will have difficulty processing it. This condition also leads to constipation. In rare cases, large amounts of customized wax paper can block the digestive tract. To remove the blockage, the person might need medical assistance to remove it from the body.
Chemical Additives
Some of the wax papers sheets that are manufactured for purposes other than food wrapping, such as:
- Arts and crafts
- Decorating
- Industrial purposes
In the above-mentioned types of papers, certain chemicals are used to increase longevity. These chemicals are not safe for human consumption and are associated with severe health conditions.
Misinterpretation of “Edibility”
One thing that is essential to discuss here is “edibility”. Edible does not mean that the product is nutritious. Many substances are non-toxic in small amounts, but they do not offer any benefit, and wax paper falls in this category. It is not poisonous, but it is also not beneficial.
Is It Safe For Children?
Parents often have to face the problem of children accidentally eating non-food items, just like adults’ consumption of paper in small amounts, which is not dangerous for children. However, infants do not have a fully developed gut, and sometimes small amounts can cause severe consequences, so parents must supervise children to prevent any similar situation.
Are There Any Long-Term Health Risks?
What if someone has consumed custom wax paper in large amounts? Will it cause long-term health risks? The answer depends on the frequency. If someone has been constantly consuming paper, such as people with Xylophagia, a condition in which people with low iron have a strong and unusual craving for paper, in this case, the health consequences of the paper are long-term.
Conclusion!
Wax paper is not a digestible item and must not be used as an edible wrap. The constituents of the paper, such as wax and cellulose, are both indigestible and, in large amounts, can cause severe health risks such as gastrointestinal blockages. In certain cases, the wax paper may contain toxins, which are required for non-food applications.
So, the best practice is to select a manufacturer that uses food-safe and sustainable materials to manufacture the custom papers. If you need such a company, then Custom Wax Paper is an ideal place. We manufacture custom food wraps by sourcing sustainable and FDA-approved raw materials and serve our customers at wholesale rates.
Also Read: Parchment Paper Vs Wax Paper: Characteristics And Usages
FAQs
Reasons why the wax paper is not edible?
Digestion occurs due to the presence of certain digestive enzymes. For the digestion of cellulose, an enzyme called cellulase is required. This enzyme is absent in the human digestive system, which is why wax paper is not edible. If consumed, the paper will cause gastric distress.
What should you do now when you accidentally eat wax paper?
In case of a severe issue, immediately contact a healthcare provider. If you have consumed in small amount, then it is harmless. In large amounts of consumption, you may face gastrointestinal blockages. If the paper is non-food-grade, then it may contain hazardous chemicals that can cause severe health hazards.
Will You Die If You Eat Wax Paper?
No, it will only cause gastrointestinal blockage. As we know that the food-grade paper does not contain any lethal chemicals. It only has an undigested component that can cause bloating or related mild GIT issues.
Is wax paper toxic when cooked or burned?
Yes, it becomes toxic because the wax burns at high temperatures. When you apply heat, the paper may burn and release toxic fumes due to the breakdown of wax molecules.