Hair in your food: Safe or unsafe?

Crumbs on your bed, insects on your skin, roaches in your kitchen, and hair in your food all share something in common. They are all disgusting scenarios that make us feel squeamish and make us say ‘yuck’. It is common to find a strand of hair hiding amidst a serving of veggies or concealed in a bowl of dal. But whatever the situation, if hair is paired with food, the result is none too pleasing. But this makes us wonder, is it really harmful if we end up finding hair in our food? Let’s find out. (Image: Instagram/pantarei.mo)

Human hair is made of a protein called keratin, which also makes up our fingernails, the lining of internal organs, and the outer layer of the skin. Keratin contains an amino acid called L-cysteine, which is used in foods like bread and doughs as it extends shelf life, and it is also sold as a dietary supplement. While the composition of hair makes it seem like a safe pill to swallow, is it really safe if found in food?

Keratin, the protein that makes up hair is chemically inactive. So unlike the proteins found in food, it does not cause any reaction in the gut, which means that no digestive problems will take place by eating food that has been in contact with hair. Therefore hair in its natural form will not harm us in any way. However, that is not the end of the story, for under certain circumstances, the presence of hair in food can be a harmful contaminant. (Image: Instagram/classic_jo)

Under most circumstances our hair is in contact with substances that negate its benignity. Oils, shampoos, conditioners, dyes, sprays, gels and environmental pathogens can all contaminate food, but the good news is that none of these substances are considered to be a chemical hazard. However, they may cause physical harm, as swallowing hair can puncture the mucous membrane, or biological harm, as hair could carry bacteria like Staphylococcus that causes hair loss.

While hair by itself is harmless, exposure to chemicals and the environment could alter its benignity. However, though it could cause physical or biological harm, the chances are low, and people seldom ever suffer due to their food coming in contact with hair. So, if you ever happen to spot a strand of hair in your food, by all means pick it up and throw it away, and continue eating your food. And if you swallow a strand by mistake, don’t worry, for you are most likely to continue living exactly the way you were before swallowing it.