Tag: Food safety myths

According to research published in the *Scientific World Journal*, unrefined cottonseed contains a naturally occurring toxin called gossypol, which can be harmful if consumed. So, is cottonseed toxic to humans? The answer depends entirely on the form of the cottonseed product, as industrial processing effectively removes the toxic compound, making refined versions safe for consumption.

Despite widespread rumors, scientific evidence shows that the estrogenic activity in beef, even when growth hormones are used, is extremely low compared to other foods and the human body's own production. This article will delve into the facts surrounding hormones in beef, clarifying common misconceptions and providing a comprehensive overview of how it is regulated and its effects on your health.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth's crust, but do apples naturally have arsenic? The short answer is no; apples do not inherently produce arsenic. Any trace amounts found in the fruit are a result of environmental factors, not natural production.

In 2015, a viral report found that 2% of sampled hotdogs contained trace amounts of human DNA, creating widespread concern. While the headline sounds alarming, the story behind the genomic testing results is far less sinister than many people believe, and understanding the context is critical to separate fact from sensationalism.

Less than 1% of commercially produced eggs contain blood or meat spots, which result from a ruptured blood vessel during the egg's formation. This article explores the common concern: Is it safe to eat eggs with bloody whites?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), commercially processed brown sugar is considered safe for direct consumption. This means that for the vast majority of products, it is safe to eat raw brown sugar, but this isn't the full story and some nuances regarding production and moderation are important to understand.

Yes, apples naturally contain a tiny amount of formaldehyde, but this fact is often misunderstood and there is no cause for alarm. This harmless chemical exists as a byproduct of the fruit's own natural metabolic processes, present in a dose far below any level of toxicological concern.

While alarmist claims sometimes circulate online, scientific studies show that bananas contain only a tiny, negligible amount of naturally occurring aluminum. As the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, aluminum is found in most foods, but the levels in unprocessed foods like bananas are very low and considered safe for human consumption.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), oral exposure to normal levels of aluminium found in food is not considered harmful for healthy individuals. The question, 'Is aluminium toxic for food?' is common and often surrounded by misinformation, though the low levels typically ingested do not pose a significant health threat to the majority of the population.

Over a third of Americans admit to worrying about food safety at least once a week, and the topic of "meat glue" often fuels those anxieties. While the name 'meat glue' can sound unappetizing and unnatural, it refers to an enzyme called transglutaminase, used to bind smaller cuts of meat together. The critical question for many consumers is whether this bonding agent remains safe after the meat has been cooked.