Using silicone kitchen utensils that have been previously used for non-food items around food can potentially pose health risks. While silicone is generally considered safe for food contact and cooking purposes, cross-contamination from non-food items can introduce harmful substances or chemicals that may not be safe for consumption.
When silicone utensils are used with non-food items, they may absorb residues or contaminants from those items, which can be difficult to completely remove even with washing. These residues could include chemicals, detergents, cleaning agents, or other substances that are not intended for food contact. When you subsequently use these utensils with food, there is a risk of transferring these contaminants to the food, which can lead to food contamination and potential health issues.
To ensure food safety and hygiene, it's best to designate separate silicone kitchen utensils for food-related purposes only. If you have used silicone utensils for non-food items, it's a good idea to retire them from food use and purchase new ones for cooking and baking. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and caring for silicone kitchen utensils to maintain their safety and performance.