What Happens If You Eat an Oxygen Absorber in Beef Jerky?

Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack that has a long shelf life, thanks in part to oxygen absorbers. These small packets absorb oxygen from sealed bags or containers, helping to prevent spoilage. But what happens if you accidentally eat an oxygen absorber along with your beef jerky?

What Are Oxygen Absorbers?

Oxygen absorbers, sometimes called oxygen scavengers, are small packets containing iron powder. When exposed to oxygen, the iron powder rusts, effectively absorbing oxygen from the enclosed space. This creates an oxygen-free environment that prevents food spoilage.

Oxygen absorbers allow jerky and other dried goods to stay fresh for months or years without preservatives. You’ll find them included in bags and containers of jerky, nuts, coffee, dried fruit and more. They are safe and non-toxic. However, you are not meant to eat them!

Oxygen Absorber Ingredients

Oxygen absorbers are generally made up of the following materials

• Iron powder – This makes up the majority of the packet. Iron reacts with oxygen to absorb it.

• Salt – Sodium chloride is added to combine with the water molecules released during the iron oxidation process. This keeps the absorber from getting hard and lumpy.

• Carbon – Activated carbon is sometimes added to help absorb trace odors from fats and oils.

• Food-grade plastic wrap – This encloses the materials and allows oxygen to permeate while preventing powder leakage

So while oxygen absorbers utilize safe, non-toxic ingredients, they are not intended to be eaten. Consuming an oxygen absorber could lead to some temporary discomfort.

What Happens If You Eat an Oxygen Absorber?

While oxygen absorbers are made of iron and other innocuous materials, it’s still not advisable to eat them. Here’s what you can expect if one accidentally gets ingested:

• Unpleasant taste – Oxygen absorbers have a metallic, chemical taste from the iron powder that is very unappealing.

• Gastrointestinal upset – Significant amounts of iron supplements on an empty stomach can cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea.

• Temporary constipation – The iron powder can have a binding effect leading to temporary constipation. Stay hydrated to help move things along.

• Tooth discoloration – If bits of iron powder get stuck on your teeth, it can cause dingy grey stains. Brush thoroughly after exposure.

• Iron toxicity (rare) – In very rare cases, a large dose of iron could cause iron poisoning. This is highly unlikely from eating an oxygen absorber.

So while an oxygen absorber won’t kill you, it can definitely cause some unpleasant temporary side effects. The good news is, in small quantities, there is minimal toxicity risk.

What to Do if You Eat an Oxygen Absorber

If you accidentally ingest an oxygen absorber, don’t panic. Follow these steps to address the situation:

• Drink lots of water to dilute and flush out the iron powder.

• Eat some fiber-rich foods to counteract potential constipation.

• Take some antacids to settle your stomach if needed.

• Brush and rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating jerky to remove any residual powder.

• Contact poison control if you experience severe vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms.

• Discontinue use of oxygen absorbers if this is a recurring issue for you or children in your home.

Thankfully, our bodies are designed to process metals like iron safely in small amounts. But if symptoms persist or you have any concerns, consult your doctor.

How to Avoid Eating Oxygen Absorbers

Eating oxygen absorbers is an easy mistake to make when their small packets blend in with seasoned jerky. Here are some tips to avoid accidental ingestion:

• Carefully inspect jerky before eating and remove any absorbers.

• Store oxygen absorbers separately from food products.

• Ensure kids understand not to eat the “little white packets.”

• Double check packaging of jerky bought in bulk bins where absorbers may have fallen in.

• Notify the manufacturer if you find absorbers mixed in with the jerky.

• Consider using alternate preservation methods like vacuum sealing or refrigeration.

With a little caution, it’s easy to keep oxygen absorbers out of your snacks. But if one slips through, now you know what to expect and how to handle it.

The Takeaway

While oxygen absorbers themselves are non-toxic, they are not intended to be eaten. Consuming an oxygen absorber may cause some temporary digestive irritation, discoloration or constipation. Severe reactions are very uncommon. Drink plenty of fluids, address any persistent symptoms and take steps to avoid accidental ingestion. With vigilance, oxygen absorbers can continue safely extending the shelf life of favorite dried foods like beef jerky.