Silicone adjustable bundling devices: do they meet manufacturer's claims during cooking and cleaning?

Abstract

Silicone cooking and baking devices are purportedly easy to use, can be stretched to hold and support a variety of foods, and are stick-resistant, heat-resistant, stain-resistant and dishwasher-safe. Also, depending on the silicone device, such as muffin pans, they are food safe and Food and Drug Administration compliant. Yet recent research has reported results to the contrary. Testing a new method of bundling or trussing food, this study found that adjustable silicone bundling devices, also known as ‘Foodloops’, are not as effective as manufacturers claim. The Foodloops often slipped off food while cooking, food stuck to the silicone, and using the aerobic plate count spiral method, significant levels of bacteria were found after cleaning.