Are FoodSaver® Bags safe for food use?
Yes. FoodSaver® Bags are made of materials that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined to be safe for food use.
Are FoodSaver® bags BPA free?
Sunbeam Products, Inc. is diligent in our efforts to ensure that our products are compliant with all industry standards, including the regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada.
None of our FoodSaver® branded bags, rolls or canisters contains Bisphenol A.
What are FoodSaver® Bags made of?
FoodSaver® Bags are made of polyethylene (a type of plastic) with an outer layer of nylon for added strength and rigidity.
Are the FoodSaver® Bags & Rolls recyclable?
Yes, FoodSaver® Bags & Rolls are recyclable under the "Other" category. Please follow the recycling guidelines and requirements of your local municipality.
Can FoodSaver® Bags be washed?
Yes, but it depends on the previous contents of the bag. FoodSaver® Bags that previously contained fruits, vegetables, breads and dry goods can be washed and reused. FoodSaver® Bags that contained raw meats, fish, eggs or un-pasteurized cheese should be discarded after use because they may contain invisible bacteria that will remain after washing. FoodSaver® Bags that contained greasy or oily foods should also be discarded, as they may be difficult to clean. FoodSaver® Bags can be washed by hand. Dry completely. They can then be re-vacuumed.
Can FoodSaver® Bags be re-sealed?
Yes. Just cut off the existing seal, remove as much food as you need, then re-vacuum seal. Be sure to wipe off any food or grease residue inside the FoodSaver® bag near the seal area. You can also re-seal FoodSaver® Bags after you have washed them.
What are FoodSaver® Heat Seal Rolls?
FoodSaver® Bags and FoodSaver® Rolls are made from the highest quality materials. Other storage methods, like foils, wraps and conventional zipper bags do not provide the same long term protection against freezer burn and spoilage as the patented FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System. Our unique system takes the air out and keeps it out by creating a durable, airtight Heat Seal.
Can I boil FoodSaver® bags?
FoodSaver® Bags and FoodSaver® rolls are simmer safe for sous vide cooking.Simmering is a food preparation technique in which foods are cooked in hot liquids kept just below the boiling point of water (which is 100 °C or 212 °F.
Can FoodSaver® Bags be put in the freezer?
Yes. FoodSaver® Bags are ideal for the freezer because they will keep all air and moisture out, preventing food from getting freezer burn and becoming dry and tasteless.
Can FoodSaver® Bags be put in the microwave?
Yes. You can heat cooked foods, such as leftovers, in a FoodSaver® bag. The bags should never be used to cook raw foods. When microwaving, cut open a corner of the bag before putting it in the microwave so steam can escape. Avoid microwaving foods containing a lot of oil, as oil will get hot very quickly and could cause the sides of the bag to stick together.
How thick are FoodSaver® bags?
All FoodSaver® brand heat-seal bags and rolls are constructed of multi-layer plastic for a durable, air-tight seal. FoodSaver® brand bags are constructed in the following thicknesses:
FoodSaver Bags – Heat-Seal
Smooth side: 3mils thick
Textured side: 11.5mils thick
GameSaver Bags – Heat-Seal (all except Heavy Duty Bag; see below for specifications on thickness for this bag)
Smooth side: 3mils thick
Textured side: 11.5mils thick
GameSaver Heavy Duty Bag – Heat-Seal
Smooth side: 4mils thick
Textured side: 11.5mils thick
Do I have to use the FoodSaver® Bags? Can I vacuum seal in other plastic bags?
To vacuum seal with the FoodSaver® system, you must use FoodSaver® Bags and Rolls. They are specially designed to be strong enough for vacuum sealing and the waffle pattern in the bag is a patented design that makes sure air does not get caught in pockets around the food.
FoodSaver® Bags and Rolls have five layers, including an outer layer of nylon. This configuration completely prevents air and moisture from getting back into the bag and prevents odors from getting out or in. Other plastic bags allow air to seep through.
If you want to use your FoodSaver® appliance to re-seal, but not vacuum package a bag (without removing the air first) you can use it on Mylar type (strong, thin polyester) or stiff plastic bags, not any other types. For example, you can re-seal potato chip bags.
I have a different food packaging appliance made by another company. Can I use the FoodSaver® bags with it?
Our FoodSaver® Bags and Rolls are designed for FoodSaver® units only. The sealing bar on your unit may either be too hot, which will melt the bags, or too cool, which will result in a bag that is not sealed properly.
Why do FoodSaver® Bags cost more than other plastic bags?
Other plastic bags are usually made of one layer of polyethylene (a type of plastic). FoodSaver® Bags are 5-layer including an outer layer of nylon. The nylon layer not only makes the bags stronger, it also creates a complete air, moisture and odor barrier. Unlike other bags, FoodSaver® Bags can be simmered in water (for sous vide cooking) or microwaved (so you can reheat leftovers or pre-cooked dinners).
What are the FoodSaver® Expandable Bags/Rolls?
The FoodSaver® Expandable Bag is the ultimate solution to storing extra-large foods without cutting them up first. The Expandable Bag accommodates large roasts, whole turkeys, even casserole dishes with no mess and no fuss. Prepare meals ahead of time and transport them right in the pan without sacrificing freshness.
