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Possible bleach water on yams. Could this be a problem?
I had some boiled yams in a pot sitting in the sink covered up with a strainer, forgot they were there and had poured out a small cleaning bucket (2-3 gallons) with a bit of bleach in it used for cleaning. I remembered 10 or so minutes later that I had the yams in that same sink. I wasn't sure if I poured the bleach water over the yams or not, but didn't want to throw them out so I washed them off a couple times with clean water, then re-cooked them in the oven with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, etc. My family and I ate the yams and other things for our thanksgiving dinner later on, but now I am wondering if I should have tossed them out, if this may have been dangerous if in fact some bleach water did get onto them. Any information from someone would be appreciated.
2 Answers
Anytime there is a question about contamination with bleach, you should never consume anything which you feel has been contaminated With bleach in any form manner. Bleach is extremely toxic and detrimental.To all bottom functions is even a very low levels. Bleach is a corrosive, especially to metal surfaces. Bleach itself is readily diluted with water and can be neutralized on surfaces, including skin, with sodium thiosulfate if necessary. Direct reaction Bleach reacts with biological tissues, causing irritation and cell death by protein denaturation. This reaction is most severe for the more sensitive tissues such as the respiratory system and eyes and less severe for more resistant tissues such as GI tract which is accustomed to low pH and skin which is adapted to be in contact with the environment. Indirect reaction A high index of suspicion must be maintained for secondary exposures from intentional or unintentional mixing with other chemicals. These secondary reactions may cause the production of more toxic chemicals, each having its toxicity profile. Chief among these is chlorine gas, which has been used as a chemical warfare agent. Life is precious and irreplaceable and food can be replaced. God bless you always.
Why this case is likely low risk Heres why you and your family are probably safe 1. Bleach was diluted A small bucket 23 gallons used for cleaning likely contained very diluted bleach usually 12 tablespoons per gallon. Such a low concentration is far less corrosive than undiluted bleach. 2. Indirect exposure uncertain contact Youre not sure if the bleach water even touched the yams. The yams were in a strainer, which may have acted as a barrier, depending on placement. 3. Rinsed thoroughly You washed the yams multiple times with clean water, which helps remove any surface contaminants or residues. 4. Recooked at high heat Baking the yams would have helped evaporate any remaining bleach residues since sodium hypochlorite breaks down when heated. Plus, bleach is not heatstable and degrades into salt and oxygen.