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Which toxic metal is specifically mentioned as not suitable for use with acidic foods?

  1. Aluminum

  2. Copper

  3. Zinc

  4. Iron

The correct answer is: Copper

Copper is specifically mentioned as not suitable for use with acidic foods due to its reactivity. When copper comes into contact with acidic substances, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits, it can leach into the food. This leaching can lead to copper toxicity, which may cause health issues like gastrointestinal distress. Therefore, the use of copper cookware or utensils with acidic foods is discouraged to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. In various culinary guidelines, it is highlighted that while copper has excellent thermal conductivity, its chemical properties make it less suitable for certain types of food preparation, especially when dealing with acidic ingredients.