The Hidden Poisons in Food

Dangerous and toxic ingredients that don't appear on a label include; drug residues, herbicides, insecticides, industrial chemicals and other environmental contaminants. These chemicals can pose a serious health risk.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was formed to protect U.S. consumers from such hazards through the National Residue Program (NRP). They are part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

These inspectors are responsible for testing food samples for the presence of approved and unapproved veterinary drugs, pesticides and environmental contaminants. If harmful contaminants are found, the FSIS has the authority to impose fines or even close down facilities.

This program sounds like it should help to keep the U.S. food supply safe, but a new report by The Pew Charitable Trusts revealed serious shortcomings.

'Major Deficiencies' Found in the National Residue Program:

The Pew report, "The National Residue Program for Meat, Poultry and Egg Products: An Evaluation," revealed major deficiencies that could threaten Americans' health.

1. Not Testing for Substances That Pose a Significant Public Health Threat

The NRP is falling short because some chemicals of concern are not even being monitored.

Among them are dioxins, which NRP says aren't tested for because no maximum safe concentrations have been established. Dioxins are known to cause cancer and developmental and neurological disorders.

2. No Public Documentation or Strict Standards for Selecting Compounds to Monitor

NRP maintains a published risk ranking that was established to prioritize which compounds to monitor in the food supply.

You would think that chemicals that score higher on this system would therefore be monitored, but according to the Pew report, NRP does not follow their own risk ranking system.

An example is dexamethasone, a steroid hormone that was identified as a higher risk than several monitored compounds. Dexamethasone may lead to spikes in blood sugar levels in diabetics, but it is not monitored. No explanation is given as to why this compound is excluded from monitoring.

3. Inconsistent Process for Determining Which Compounds to Monitor

How the NRP picks and chooses which drugs and other compounds to monitor remains a mystery. For instance, the pain-reliever dipyrone is ranked in the NRP's highest toxicity category but is not included in testing (while compounds that scored lower in toxicity are tested for).

Meanwhile, anti-microbial drugs fluoroquinolones are included in testing because they're illegal to use, but not based on a risk analysis.

4. Lack of a Process to Address Emerging Risks

The NRP does not have a procedure in place to update its sampling and testing program based on emerging risks, such as new animal feed additives or byproducts of biofuel production.

Other chemicals of concern that are increasing in use, including brominated flame retardants, are not included in the NRP.

E. Coli From Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Are Contaminating Leafy Greens:

Some plots where the vegetables are grown are located too close to CAFOs, and they're becoming contaminated with E. coli from dust and manure. It's quite common for produce to grow adjacent to CAFOs.

Guidelines require greens be planted a minimum of about 394 feet from cattle feedlots, but research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology has found contamination occurred on greens planted 590 feet from CAFOs.

In fact, researchers tested greens grown about 197 feet, 394 feet and 590 feet from CAFOs and found E. coli bacteria in all of the plots. The potential for illness rises since leafy greens are often consumed raw.

The conclusion is that current leafy green field distance guidelines, may not be adequate to limit the transmission of E. coli.

Roundup is Another Toxin Found in Food:

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup herbicide. A little over a year ago, Glyphosate was determined by the World Health Organization (WHO), to be a probable carcinogen.

Glyphosate has been detected in the blood and urine samples of most Americans tested. U.S. women had maximum glyphosate levels that were more than eight times higher than levels found in urine of Europeans, according to laboratory testing commissioned by the organizations Moms Across America and Sustainable Pulse.

The glyphosate exposure is likely coming from food, as well as from the water supply. We don't know exactly how much glyphosate may be in your food because the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not test for it.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced in February 2016 that it may begin testing foods for glyphosate.

"Glyphosate levels have been found to be significantly higher in urine samples of people who ate non-organic food, as compared with those who ate mostly organic food. Chronically ill people also showed significantly higher glyphosate residues in their urine than healthy people did."

How to Find Chemical-Free, Humanely Raised Meat:

If you want to reduce your exposure to these chemicals, naturally-raised, pastured meat, preferably organic, are the best way to go.

Many grocery chains are now responding to customer demand and sell grass-fed meats.

The least expensive way to obtain grass-fed beef and other locally produced organic foods, is often from your local farmer.

The organic industry also tends to favor far more humane butchering practices, which is another important part of "ethical meat." The following organizations can help you locate farm-fresh foods in your local area that has been raised in a humane, sustainable manner:

1. Local Harvest

This website will help you find farmers' markets, family farms and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats and many items.

2. Eat Wild

With more than 1,400 pasture-based farms, Eat Wild's Directory of Farms is one of the most comprehensive sources for grass-fed meat and dairy products in the United States and Canada.

3. Farmers' Market

A national listing of farmers' markets.

4. Eat Well Guide

The Eat Well Guide is a free online directory of sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs from farms, stores, restaurants, inns, and hotels, and online outlets in the United States and Canada.

5. Food Routes

The Food Routes "Find Good Food" map can help you connect with local farmers. They have an interactive map to find a listing for local farmers, CSAs, and markets near you.

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