Viral trend of cooking with heated bricks sparks health concerns

A viral reel showing a chef heating a construction brick and pouring hot oil or “tadka” over it before placing it into food has sparked both curiosity and concern online. While the idea is being promoted as a way to add a smoky flavour, health experts say this trend could come with hidden dangers.

At first glance, the technique may remind people of traditional cooking methods like the dhungar technique, in which charcoal is used to infuse dishes with smoke.

However, experts highlight that there is a major difference between food-grade materials used in cooking and industrial materials like bricks, which are not meant to come in contact with food.

Construction bricks are made using clay and other raw materials that may contain impurities or industrial additives. When these are heated to high temperatures and exposed to oil or food, harmful substances may transfer into what you eat.

WHAT’S INSIDE A BRICK?

Bricks may look simple, but they can contain a mix of elements that are not safe for consumption. Depending on how and where they are made, they may carry trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium.

These metals are not visible to the naked eye and do not affect taste immediately, which makes the risk even more concerning. Heating the brick further increases the chances of these substances being released.

NUTRITIONIST WARNS AGAINST THE TREND

Dt. Deepali Sharma, Clinical Nutritionist at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, warns that this viral trend is far from harmless.

“This trend is potentially dangerous. Heating construction bricks and using them for food preparation is highly unsafe. Bricks are not food-grade materials; they are often composed of clay and industrial additives that can contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. When exposed to high heat and then brought into contact with food, these toxic elements can leach into your food.

Regular consumption, even in small amounts, can pose serious health risks over time, including toxicity, organ damage, and long-term metabolic effects. Social media experiments with food should never compromise basic safety standards. Just because something looks innovative or ‘smoky’ doesn’t make it safe to consume.

If you’re looking to enhance flavour, there are safe, tested culinary techniques, such as smoking with food-grade wood or using traditional methods, that achieve the same result without risking your health. Food should nourish, not harm.

Avoid such practices and stick to ingredients and tools that are meant for cooking.”

WHY HEAVY METALS ARE A CONCERN

Heavy metals can build up in the body over time and may lead to serious health issues. Long-term exposure has been linked to:

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  Damage to the brain and nervous system

• Kidney and liver problems

• Hormonal imbalances

• Increased risk of chronic diseases

Even small, repeated exposure can be harmful, especially when it becomes a part of regular diet habits.

HOW THIS TREND DIFFERS FROM TRADITIONAL METHODS

Traditional techniques like dhungar use controlled, food-safe elements such as charcoal to create a smoky aroma. The process is done carefully, ensuring that the material does not directly contaminate the food.

In contrast, construction bricks are not designed for cooking and may release harmful compounds when heated, making them unsafe for culinary use.

SAFER WAYS TO ADD SMOKY FLAVOUR

If you enjoy smoky flavours in your food, experts suggest safer alternatives:

• Use the dhungar method with food-grade charcoal

• Cook on a grill or smoker

• Use smoked spices

• Try food-safe smoking techniques

These methods can give similar results without putting your health at risk.

While social media often bring creative food ideas, not all trends are safe to follow. Using construction bricks in cooking is not just unconventional, it can expose you to harmful toxins.

As experts emphasise, food should always be safe and nourishing. When it comes to viral hacks, it’s best to stay informed, think twice, and choose methods that are proven to be safe for your health.