If you’ve ever wondered about the strange material under your store-bought meats and what it’s for, you’re not alone. Most packaged meats and poultry come with these liners, but many people don’t pay much attention to them until they accidentally cook one with their meal, worrying whether it has ruined the food.
What Is the Purpose of a Meat Diaper?
The thin, white absorbent pad included in your meat packaging serves to absorb the liquids that naturally seep out of meat, poultry, and seafood over time. This helps prevent the liquid from pooling in the package, which not only reduces kitchen mess but also plays significant roles in food safety.
Raw meat and poultry liquids can harbor bacteria that pose health risks. The absorbent pad, sometimes called a “meat diaper,” soaks up these potentially harmful fluids, preventing them from leaking onto counters and other surfaces, thereby containing bacteria effectively. Moreover, these pads help keep the meat fresh and safe, as sitting in the pooled liquid could promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
What Is the Pad Made Of?
Most meat pads consist of either silica gel (purified sand) or cellulose (purified plant fiber), encased in a non-toxic, perforated plastic wrapping that allows liquids to be absorbed and contained. Despite their unassuming appearance, these pads are incredibly absorbent, with some capable of holding up to 40 grams of liquid.
The FDA carefully regulates meat packaging materials to ensure they don’t contain harmful chemicals that could leach into food over time. Every component of meat packaging, including the absorbent pads, must be approved by the agency before being used.
What Happens If You Cook Meat with the Pad?
If you accidentally cook a liquid-soaked pad, there’s generally no need to worry. According to the USDA Food Safety and Information Service, as long as the pad isn’t melted, torn, or broken, your meal remains safe to consume. The cooking process kills any bacteria contained within the pad, similar to bacteria in the raw meat.
If you inadvertently consume a small piece of the pad’s plastic, there’s still little cause for concern. The materials aren’t digestible, so they’ll pass through your system without breaking down. Although it’s not advisable to eat parts of the pad intentionally, ingesting a small amount is unlikely to cause harm.
Ultimately, the absorbent pad under your meat packaging is designed to protect both your meat and your health.
