Cutting onions

[mr-rubix]

What precautions do onion peelers and cutters in factories that provide us with ready chopped onions take? Do they don full chemical gear or do they get used to peeling onions? Ok maybe machines do it but there are certainly humans around and understand that a crying and blinded workforce around dangerous big machinery would be dangerous, so how do they do it? Me personally constantly wetting the onion in hot water donning a pair of workmens goggles and stuffing tissue up my nose seems to be the best method, but is there an easier method to stop tears and discomfort? What do you do?
(Sorry for the multiple questions but I deemed this better then asking several on the same subject)

[coccinelle]

I've noticed that after 5 mins of peeling onions (I love onion tarts) that you don't cry anymore so maybe these people all have a good cry first thing on arriving then fine for the rest of the day... Just a thought.

[poodicat]

They all walk about with metal spoons in their mouths..

[another-view]

I would assume it is done by machines

[mr-rubix]

coccinelle thanks for the prompt answer. I've found that the pain and irritation becomes more pronounced the more you cut. Maybe the people in the factories watch Bambi prior to working!

[another-view]

I doubt anyone employs "onion cutters" any more. It will be done by huge machines.

[mr-rubix]

Poodicat I have also tried that method. Another-view this is what I said but a factory without humans? This isn't the year 5000 yet! Im assuming it has something to do with hot water which seems to stop the chemicals reaching your eyes.

[MikeLitoris]

Can we have a picture next time you cut onions, it sound like a good look :)

[another-view]

The machines will chop them up and I assume the fumes are directed away.

[mr-rubix]

MikeLitoris I know I look like an idiot but duty and comfort before fashion I say!
Anotherview that's probably it.
Thanks all.

[Mamyalynne]

Surely a wet onion won't fry very well, do you then wait until it is all dry? mr_rubix

[mr-rubix]

Fry mamyalynne? My onions usually go into a roast or stew but even if Im frying they're washed cut and then dried before frying.

[coccinelle]

True mr-rubix but there comes a moment when you no longer cry. I've also noticed that cutting opens horizontally helps but I don't know why...
As another view says they're probably cut by machines in a sealed room. Fancy anybody in the offices answering the phones and sniffing away and blowing their nose.

[mr-rubix]

Cocinelle I think Im just going to get one of those onion dicing gadgets but surely you still have to peel the onion before dicing?

[coccinelle]

cutting onions , sorry

[daffy654]

AV, my niece and a friend of mine used to work for a small food packing company where they had to actually chop onions by hand. There was no equipment provided to stop their eyes watering, they just got on with it as quickly as possible.

[mr-rubix]

Yes coccinelle cutting onions.

[another-view]

The clue there daffy was "small food packing company ". I doubt the likes of Kraft will employer such arcane methods.

[mr-rubix]

Daffy like I said The vapours come through the eyes and nose in my opinion and to a smaller degree through the mouth so till I cut my onion cutter then goggles tissue stuffed nostrils and holding my breath is the only way.

[daffy654]

The company was small AV but they were a supplier of pre-packed salads to many of the major UK supermarkets. You may have seen or even purchased their products yourself. They also supplied M&S food halls with ready prepared vegetables.

[snags]

Wearing one of those red clown noses will help with the fumes...