Packing peanuts are lightweight, loose-fill materials designed to cushion fragile items during shipping, not to be ingested. It is unsafe to eat them, even those labeled as biodegradable. Although some varieties are technically non-toxic, they are not manufactured as food products and present various risks if consumed. The safety of a packing peanut depends entirely on its material, which falls into two main categories: traditional plastic foam and plant-based starch.
Understanding the Materials: Polystyrene vs. Starch
The original and most common type of packing peanut is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), a type of plastic foam. Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer derived from petroleum that is non-biodegradable and will not dissolve in water. These peanuts are chemically inert, meaning they do not break down in the digestive tract.
Polystyrene-based peanuts may also contain trace amounts of industrial chemicals, colorants, or anti-static agents, which are not regulated for internal consumption. The non-digestible nature of this material means it passes through the system as a foreign body. These traditional foam peanuts are typically white, pink, or sometimes green if they contain a percentage of recycled material.
Biodegradable packing peanuts are generally made from plant-based starches like corn, potato, or wheat starch. These starches are heated and extruded to create a foam-like structure, and they dissolve quickly when exposed to water. While these materials are technically non-toxic, they are not produced in food-safe environments and can pick up contaminants from the factory or shipping process.
Manufacturers remove the nutritional value from the starch to prevent pests and rodents from being attracted to the packaging material during storage and transit. The final packaging product is not a food-grade item. The label “non-toxic” indicates that the material itself is not poisonous, but it does not mean it is safe for consumption.
Health and Safety Hazards of Ingestion
Ingesting any type of packing peanut presents a physical risk, primarily the potential for choking or intestinal obstruction. Due to their lightweight, compressible nature and size, the peanuts can easily become lodged in the throat, particularly in children, posing an immediate choking hazard. This physical danger is equally present with both the polystyrene and the starch-based varieties.
If the peanuts pass into the gastrointestinal tract, they can clump together, leading to a foreign body obstruction. This blockage is especially concerning with polystyrene, as the material will not break down and must pass through the entire system intact. An intestinal blockage is a serious medical emergency that prevents food and liquid from passing through the digestive system and may require surgical intervention.
Even the non-toxic, starch-based peanuts can cause various digestive problems due to the volume of non-food grade starch consumed. A large quantity of this material can lead to stomach upset, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Furthermore, the manufacturing process involves high heat, which can produce trace amounts of compounds like acrylamide, classified as a probable human carcinogen.
What to Do If Packing Peanuts Are Eaten
In the event of accidental ingestion, the first step is to immediately determine the type of packing peanut consumed. If the peanut is quickly dissolved in water, it is the less harmful starch-based variety; if it remains intact, it is the polystyrene type. For a small quantity of starch-based peanuts consumed by an adult, monitoring for symptoms like mild stomach discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea may be sufficient.
If a child has ingested any amount of packing peanuts, or if a large quantity of polystyrene is consumed, seeking immediate medical advice is necessary. Contacting Poison Control is the best course of action, as specialists can provide guidance based on the specific material and the amount ingested. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional, as this can increase the risk of choking.
It is important to watch for signs of a potential intestinal obstruction, which include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, a refusal to eat, or lethargy. If these symptoms occur, immediate emergency medical attention is required. While many ingested foreign bodies pass without issue, the risk of a serious blockage, especially with non-digestible polystyrene, means that vigilance and professional consultation are necessary.