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Are Sous Vide Bags Safe?

Published in Food Safety 3 mins read

Yes, food-grade sous vide bags are generally considered safe when used correctly.

Using the right type of bag is crucial for safe sous vide cooking. Reputable sources and manufacturers emphasize the importance of using bags specifically designed for food and for the sous vide process.

Understanding Sous Vide Bag Safety

The safety of a sous vide bag primarily depends on the material it's made from and whether it's certified as "food-grade."

Based on recommendations from industry experts:

  • ChefSteps, a sous vide manufacturer, recommends using food-grade vacuum sealing bags. This specific recommendation is highlighted because these bags meet certain safety standards.
  • Recommended bags are typically BPA-free and made of polyethylene. Polyethylene is a stable plastic commonly used for food packaging. Being BPA-free ensures that harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A, which can potentially leach into food, are not present.
  • These bags are designed to withstand the temperatures used in sous vide cooking without degrading or leaching chemicals into the food.

Therefore, the key to safety lies in choosing the correct bags.

Choosing Safe Sous Vide Bags

To ensure you are using safe bags for sous vide, look for the following:

  • Food-Grade Certification: The packaging should clearly state that the bags are food-grade.
  • BPA-Free Labeling: Confirm that the bags are free from BPA.
  • Material: As recommended, bags made of polyethylene are a good choice. Other common materials include polypropylene and nylon, which are also considered safe for this application when food-grade.
  • Intended Use: The bags should be marketed specifically for vacuum sealing and sous vide cooking.

It is important to note that not all plastic bags are suitable for sous vide. Avoid using single-use sandwich bags, trash bags, or other plastics not certified as food-grade, as they may not be designed to safely handle the temperatures and cooking times involved in sous vide and could potentially leach chemicals.

Summary of Safe Bag Characteristics

Here's a quick look at what makes a sous vide bag safe:

Feature Description Benefit for Safety
Food-Grade Certified for direct contact with food. Ensures materials are safe for cooking and storage.
BPA-Free Contains no Bisphenol A. Prevents potential leaching of a harmful chemical.
Appropriate Material Materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon. Stable at sous vide temperatures, won't degrade.

By selecting bags that meet these criteria, you can confidently use them for your sous vide cooking. Remember, using a proper vacuum sealing system, as also recommended by ChefSteps and FoodSaver, helps ensure an airtight seal, which is important for both safety and cooking results.