If you regularly eat beef jerky, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a little white packet in the package. Those packets, usually labeled “DO NOT EAT,” probably seem out of place next to your delicious snack. You may have wondered whether they’re dangerous or poisonous.
Those scary-looking bags can be found in many places, like Amazon orders, food containers, and more. All sorts of industries rely on them to perform a simple function — keeping moisture away from products.
Beef jerky is a beloved snack for many people Its tasty flavor combined with the convenience of its portable nature makes it a popular choice for hikers, road trippers, and anyone who wants a protein-packed nibble. But inside every package of beef jerky is a little packet – the oxygen absorber This important packet helps maintain freshness and extend shelf life. But what if you accidentally eat it? Let’s find out.
What is an Oxygen Absorber?
An oxygen absorber is a small packet containing iron powder that absorbs oxygen from the surrounding environment inside a sealed package It prevents oxidation and aerobic bacteria growth, which could cause spoilage This allows jerky to stay fresher for longer.
Oxygen absorbers are made of food-safe iron powder, salt, and carbon. The iron oxidizes in the presence of oxygen, binding to it. This depletes oxygen levels inside the package. They are safe for contact with food products.
Why is it There?
Jerky producers include oxygen absorbers to prolong shelf life. Without an oxygen absorber, oil in jerky can turn rancid while microbes can grow, causing spoilage and food safety issues.
An oxygen absorber packet removes oxygen that gets trapped inside during packaging This prevents aerobic microorganisms from multiplying It also slows down fat oxidation and other chemical reactions,
So while the small packet is not meant to be eaten, it serves an important purpose in keeping jerky safe and shelf-stable.
What Happens if You Eat It?
First things first, don’t panic if you accidentally swallow an oxygen absorber! While not meant for consumption, a small amount of iron powder should not cause harm. However, it’s still important to take precautions.
Mild Effects
Eating an oxygen absorber may cause some mild gastrointestinal upset in some cases. Symptoms could include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
These effects may happen because the iron powder and other contents, like salt and carbon, are not meant to be consumed. The body is reacting to a foreign object.
In most cases, these effects are temporary and subside on their own. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated if vomiting or diarrhea occurs. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist longer than 48 hours.
Serious Effects
While rare, more dangerous effects can happen if a large amount of iron is consumed. Significant iron toxicity can lead to:
- Severe digestive issues
- Liver or kidney damage
- Changes in blood cell counts
- Low blood pressure
- Cardiac issues
Contact emergency services or poison control right away if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, weakness, pale complexions, or uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea after consuming an oxygen absorber packet.
What to Do if You Eat an Oxygen Absorber
If you accidentally swallow an oxygen absorber, take these steps:
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Stay calm. Remember, a small amount of iron powder is unlikely to cause major health problems.
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Check for any warning labels on the packet. Note ingredients to determine contents.
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Drink water to dilute and flush out the absorbent material.
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Contact your doctor or poison control if any concerning symptoms appear, like persistent abdominal pain or discolored urine or stool.
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Monitor yourself carefully over the next 48 hours for adverse reactions like vomiting, diarrhea or dark stools.
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Save the oxygen absorber packet. Show it to your doctor if you seek medical care so they understand the exact substance ingested.
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Call emergency services immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat or other severe symptoms.
Precautions to Avoid Accidental Ingestion
While oxygen absorbers are generally harmless if eaten, it’s obviously best to avoid eating them. Follow these tips to stay safe:
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Read package instructions carefully and always discard the oxygen absorber – do not eat it!
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Check the contents of beef jerky carefully and don’t eat the packet along with the jerky slices.
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Closely supervise children enjoying jerky and teach them not to eat the packet.
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Discard used oxygen absorbers in trash, not in areas accessible to kids or pets.
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Contact the manufacturer if packets are not clearly labeled ‘Do Not Eat’.
The Takeaway
Accidentally eating an oxygen absorber from beef jerky likely won’t cause major issues. Just remain calm, watch for symptoms, contact your doctor with any concerns and seek immediate help if you experience severe reactions. And going forward, take steps to avoid accidental ingestion.
With proper precautions, you can safely continue to enjoy delicious jerky without having to worry about the little oxygen absorber packet! Just be sure to toss it in the trash where it belongs.
What Is the Little Packet in Beef Jerky?
The little white packets in beef jerky contain silica gel. In fact, “silica gel” might be printed on the packet. It may seem odd, but beef jerky manufacturers include these packets to help protect their customers’ health.
Anyone who has ever made beef jerky knows how important it is to keep it dry so that it lasts a long time. If any moisture enters a container of beef jerky, the meat can spoil early. Spoiled beef jerky can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, like stomach pain, headache, nausea and fever.
So, silica gel packets play a key role in the entire food industry, including the beef jerky industry.
What Happens if You Eat the Packet in Beef Jerky?
If you get too curious (please don’t) or eat silica gel by accident, look out for stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, and trouble going to the bathroom.
If you vomit repeatedly or can’t hold down food, seek immediate medical attention.
If the packet contains pink or blue silica gel beads, there’s a much higher risk of danger. These silica gel beads are treated in cobalt chloride, which is toxic when eaten.
Manufacturers should never put pink or blue silica gel packets in beef jerky or any other food. Please be careful, and don’t eat beef jerky that has been packaged wrong.
What’s in Those Packets That Say ‘Do Not Eat’? (And Why Shouldn’t I Eat It?)
FAQ
What happens if you eat the oxygen packet in beef jerky?
What happens if you eat an ageless oxygen absorber?
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Are oxygen absorbers for food storage toxic?