When one thinks of gold leaf , the image of magnificent pieces of jewelry or artistic paintings usually comes to mind. But now you can also find gold leaf in gastronomy. Whether as a decoration on cakes, as an edible foil on sushi or as part of cocktails - edible gold leaf is a real eye-catcher on the plate. But what are the risks of eating it? Can the consumption of gold leaf be harmful to health? In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about the risks of edible gold leaf.

What are the risks of edible gold leaf?

Edible gold leaf consists of thin, wafer-thin flakes of gold that are mixed with food coloring and then applied to food. Typically, the gold is listed as "E 175" on the ingredients list. But even if edible gold leaf is considered harmless, there are certain risks associated with its consumption.

Potential hazards include:

1. Allergic Reactions : People who are allergic to gold or other metals may experience allergic reactions when consuming edible gold leaf. These can range from slight skin irritations to severe allergic shocks.
2. Additives that are harmful to health : Edible gold leaf is often mixed with other additives to make it last longer or to achieve better adhesion to food. However, some of these additives can be harmful to health.
3. Accidental ingestion of metals : When edible gold leaf is applied to food, small particles of gold can break off and be swallowed. These can accumulate in the body and lead to health problems.
4. Fakes: Unfortunately, there are also fake edible gold leafs on the market that are made of other metals or materials than gold. Consuming such products can be harmful to health.

How to minimize the risks?

To minimize the risks of consuming edible gold leaf, you should follow a few tips:

• Only buy edible gold leaf from trusted retailers and make sure it is listed as "E 175" on the ingredients list.
• If you are allergic to gold or other metals, you should avoid consuming edible gold leaf.
• Use edible gold leaf sparingly and in moderation. Too high a dose can lead to increased absorption of metals.
• Make sure that the edible gold leaf does not contain any harmful additives.
• Do not consume fake edible gold leaf.

Gold leaf questions and answers

Is edible gold leaf expensive?

Yes, edible gold leaf tends to be expensive as it is a high quality product.

Can you make edible gold leaf yourself?

It is possible to make edible gold leaf yourself, but it requires a lot of experience and the right equipment. It is therefore advisable to buy edible gold leaf from a trusted dealer.

How Much Edible Gold Leaf Can You Eat?

There is no set dosage recommendation for edible gold leaf. However, it is advisable to consume it in moderation.

Edible gold leaf can be a real eye-catcher on the plate, but it also carries certain risks. Above all, people who are allergic to gold or other metals should avoid consumption. Also, only trustworthy products should be bought to minimize the risk of harmful additives or counterfeits. If you follow these tips and consume edible gold leaf in moderation, nothing stands in the way of enjoyment