this seems weird.....thoughts??

[ProudGrandma]

something weird has happened. As a librarian, I am doing a once a month spice program where I print up recipes and information about certain spices and hand out along with a sample of the spice.  I package the spice in small, zip lock bags.   I thought I would be smart and prepackage some of my spices so they would be ready to roll when I needed them.   About 2 weeks ago I put my tumeric in my little zippered bags. I went to put them out yesterday and the bags were all sticky. Like something was accidentally spilled on them, but the sticky residue doesn't wash off. So, I am trying to decide if there was some sort of weird chemical reaction between the spice and the bag, and if it's safe to use or if I should be buying more spice and finding a different way to distribute it.  What do you wise people know about this?  AND what would you think I need to do as far as buying a more tumeric or just repackaging it?

[rebcoola]

Tumeric is corrosive its doing it to the plastic you will need something different to store it.  I think you can still use what you have but idk for sure.

Edited November 26, 2023 by rebcoola

[MercyA]

I had that happen with a spice once, although I don't remember if it was tumeric specifically. It was something yellow. 🙂 

I would think it would be fine to repackage it in something other than plastic bags if it looks and smells normal. Maybe some sort of little paper bag?

Edited November 26, 2023 by MercyA

[Lady Marmalade]

First, I love the sound of your spice program.  🙂  It's unique and fun.  

Second, the turmeric does have a reaction to plastic-called "chemical migration". 

https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/possible-adverse-implications-of-chemical-migration-from-food-pack-materials-in-india-2157-7587.1000156.pdf

From the article above, in case you didn't want to wade through:

Quote

Corrosive nature of turmeric seems to react with the lighter plastics used for bags, making them sticky, slimy or have holes and therefore migration of chemicals to the food is likely. Similarly, most of the oils react and can break down the plastic, therefore it is advised to not to pack Indian food (especially liquid food such as tea/coffee, yogurt, spicy food like curries, kebabs and oil rick meat masala etc.,) in the plastic bags

Do you have time to purchase something different?  I would suggest Glassine bags- you can fold over the top several times and staple, and you can get them pretty small.

https://www.amazon.com/Uline-Mini-Glassine-Paper-Bags/dp/B009N44XNO

 

Edited November 27, 2023 by Lady Marmalade

[ProudGrandma]

2 hours ago, Lady Marmalade said:

First, I love the sound of your spice program.  🙂  It's unique and fun.  

Second, the turmeric does have a reaction to plastic-called "chemical migration". 

https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/possible-adverse-implications-of-chemical-migration-from-food-pack-materials-in-india-2157-7587.1000156.pdf

From the article above, in case you didn't want to wade through:

Do you have time to purchase something different?  I would suggest Glassine bags- you can fold over the top several times and staple, and you can get them pretty small.

https://www.amazon.com/Uline-Mini-Glassine-Paper-Bags/dp/B009N44XNO

 

thanks for the compliment on the program.....it has been a lot of fun.   

thanks for the suggestion on the alternative bags.