The FDA published a pamphlet, "Levels of Natural or Unavoidable Defects in Foods That Present No Health Hazards to Humans," instructing food producers as to what is allowable. They claim that "defect levels do not represent an average of the defects that occur in any of the products -- the averages are actually much lower." Examples of what is allowed under these "regulations," would include: five fly eggs per 250 ml or one or more maggots per 250 ml in canned orange juice; 30 fly eggs per 100 grams in tomato paste, pizza and other sauces; nine milligrams or more of rodent excreta pellets per kilogram in wheat; and an average mold count of 15 percent in cranberry sauce. How does the FDA consider this acceptable? Aren't they supposed to be looking out for the interests of the consumer by aiming for purity in the food supply?
In addition to the presence of insect parts, fly eggs and fecal matter, our food supply is threatened by bacteria (such as those that cause botulism and e. coli) and parasites (such as the type that causes dysentery). Water contamination and unsanitary conditions in which the food is raised and processed are often the culprits.
A new study also reveals that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) - already an unsafe sweetener used in most processed foods - contains significant levels of mercury. Mercury was identified in almost a third of 55 brand names foods and beverages where HFCS is indicated as a first or second ingredient. Mercury, as we know, is highly toxic and could lead to brain damage, blindness and deafness.
Besides insect parts, maggots, excrement, parasites, bacteria and mercury, our food supply can be contaminated with agrochemicals, lead and other heavy metals, animal and drug hormone residue and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
The time has come where the only way to protect yourself is to buy organic or, if possible, to grow your own food.
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