Have you ever found yourself staring at the “Do Not Eat” label on the small packet inside your beef jerky and wondered what would happen if you did?
You’re not alone.
Many people have mistaken the silica gel or oxygen absorber packet for a snack or seasoning, but is it really that harmful?
In this article, we’ll explore what happens when you eat the packet in beef jerky and whether or not it’s something to worry about.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of beef jerky packets.
What Happens When You Eat The Packet In Beef Jerky?
Let’s start with silica gel packets. Silica gel is a chemically inert substance that won’t break down in the body and cause poisoning. However, it can cause choking if ingested, which is why manufacturers label them with “Do not eat” or “Throw away after using.” Eating silica gel won’t make you sick, and it will most likely pass through your body without any harmful effects. However, it’s important to note that silica gel doesn’t have any nutritional value and can cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large quantities.
While silica gel is non-toxic, it’s still not recommended to eat the beads. Silica gel is excellent at absorbing moisture, which can cause dehydration and irritation when ingested. Additionally, small silica gel packets pose a choking hazard for young children and pets. It’s essential to keep these packets out of reach and dispose of them properly after use.
Now, let’s move on to oxygen absorber packets. These packets contain iron powder that reacts with the oxygen in the package and causes the iron powder to rust. Once the iron powder has oxidized and fully rusted, the absorption stops. If you remove the absorber from the package, the reaction ends, and it will start again once you put it back in.
Elemental iron granules are placed in small packets called oxygen absorbers and added to bags of prepared or dehydrated food to absorb excess oxygen. This prevents oxidization (rancidity) of the food and preserves freshness. Oxygen absorber packets are typically about 1 inch by 1 inch and are often found in packages of beef jerky, pepperoni, dried fruits, dog jerky treats, etc.
However, it’s important to note that elemental iron can cause severe poisoning, even in small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet. It also irritates the gastrointestinal tract and has direct corrosive effects. After ingestion, vomiting (with or without blood) is one of the first signs of poisoning. In fact, vomiting is such a common finding that if a dog does not vomit, it’s probable that a toxic dose was not ingested.
What Is The Packet In Beef Jerky?
The packet inside beef jerky is an oxygen absorber, not silica gel. Oxygen absorbers play a key role in preserving the freshness and shelf life of beef jerky. These absorbers contain iron powder, which reacts with the oxygen in the package and causes the iron powder to rust. Once the iron powder has fully rusted, the absorption stops. Oxygen absorbers prevent the growth of fungi and microorganisms that can make the jerky unfit to eat by keeping oxygen levels inside stand up pouches or other packaging close to zero. This prevents beef jerky from rotting, which means a longer shelf life for manufacturers and fresher beef jerky for consumers. Oxygen absorbers are essentially porous paper pouches commonly filled with iron salts, sodium chloride (common salt), or activated charcoal. They absorb oxygen by undergoing a chemical reaction that consumes oxygen in bags of jerky, creating a dry and safe area for beef jerky. It’s important to note that ingesting even small amounts of elemental iron contained in one oxygen absorber packet can cause severe poisoning and vomiting.
Is It Safe To Eat The Packet?
In short, it is not safe to eat the packet in beef jerky. While silica gel packets are non-toxic, they can cause choking and intestinal obstruction if ingested in large quantities. Additionally, oxygen absorber packets contain elemental iron, which can cause severe poisoning and irritate the gastrointestinal tract. It’s important to dispose of these packets properly and keep them out of reach of children and pets. If you or someone you know accidentally ingests an oxygen absorber packet, seek medical attention immediately.
What Happens If You Eat The Packet?
If you accidentally eat the silica gel packet found in beef jerky, there is no need to panic. Silica gel is chemically inert and won’t break down in the body, so it won’t cause poisoning. However, it can cause choking if ingested, which is why manufacturers label them with “Do not eat” or “Throw away after using.” If you do happen to ingest the packet, it will most likely pass through your body and exit without any harmful effects. However, it’s important to note that silica gel doesn’t have any nutritional value and can cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large quantities.
On the other hand, if you accidentally eat the oxygen absorber packet found in beef jerky, it is a cause for concern. The packet contains elemental iron granules that can cause severe poisoning, even in small amounts. After ingestion, vomiting (with or without blood) is one of the first signs of poisoning. If you or someone you know has ingested an oxygen absorber packet, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. It’s also important to keep these packets out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
What To Do If You Accidentally Eat The Packet
If you accidentally eat a silica gel packet, don’t panic. Although it’s not recommended to eat them, silica gel is non-toxic and will most likely pass through your body without any harmful effects. However, it’s important to monitor the situation and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
On the other hand, if you accidentally eat an oxygen absorber packet, seek medical attention immediately. Elemental iron can cause severe poisoning and irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include vomiting (with or without blood), abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent any further complications.
In the case of choking, seek emergency medical attention immediately. For small children, parents must keep in mind to remove all the silica and oxygen absorber packets beforehand, as they pose a serious choking hazard when consumed.
