Ten Healthy Foods with Hidden Hazards

By Debra Holtzman

These days, eating healthy foods is a top priority for most people. But did you know that even some of the healthiest foods have hidden dangers?

According to the CDC, about 76 million Americans will suffer from food-borne illness and at least 5,200 will die this year. Children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are at the greatest risk. Symptoms of food-borne illnesses include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, blood or pus in the stool, headache, vomiting, and severe exhaustion. Sometimes symptoms may appear as early as a half hour after eating; other times it could take several days or weeks.

Make sure to follow these simple tips to safer eating:

Lettuce: Because it is grown so close to the ground, it can come into contact with manure or irrigation runoff. When you buy lettuce, first discard the outer leaves. Then separate the inner leaves and thoroughly wash. All raw fruits and vegetables could harbor disease-causing bacteria. Before eating any raw produce, it should be thoroughly washed under running cold water. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush. This is true even for organic fruits and vegetables.

Water: Contaminated water can be a major source of trouble, especially for those drinking from private wells or streams. The EPA recommends that private water supplies be tested at least once a year for nitrates, total dissolved solids and coliform bacteria, the presence of which (although it is generally harmless) may indicate other contamination. You may need to test more frequently and for more potential contaminants if a problem is suspected. People who are on a public water utility receive a consumer confidence report once a year that analyzes the water.

Raw Sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts, and radish sprouts have all been associated with salmonella and E. coli. Cook sprouts thoroughly to kill off the bacteria.

Unpasteurized Juices, Milks, or Cheeses: Make sure you always purchase the pasteurized versions of your favourite products. Pasteurization kills bacteria. When you go to a juice bar, ensure that the juices being served are pasteurized. Unpasteurized products have been linked to salmonella, E. coli and listeria – all can lead to death.

Moldy Peanuts: Aflatoxins are byproducts of common, naturally occurring mold growth on certain agricultural products such as peanuts, wheat, cereals, and corn. Alfatoxins have been found to cause liver cancer in animal species. Check carefully for any sign of discoloration or mold.

Raw or Undercooked Shellfish: Shellfish, such as clams and oysters must be cooked thoroughly. Any animal protein consumed raw or undercooked has an increased potential for causing illness.

Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel, and Tilefish: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises pregnant women, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children not to eat these fish. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish have much higher levels of methyl mercury than other commonly consumed fish. Mercury is most harmful to the developing brains of unborn babies and young children affecting cognitive, motor, and sensory functions.

Caesar Salad: Many restaurants or home made recipes call for raw eggs in Caesar salad. Always ask if the salad is served with raw eggs in the dressing.

Honey: Never give honey to a baby under the age of one. Honey may contain bacterial spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the nervous system of young babies.

Wild Mushrooms: Some common species of mushrooms are capable of causing poisoning or even death. Only an expert with specialized training can distinguish the edible kinds from the others. Only eat mushrooms you've purchased in the grocery store or the ones you've raised at home from cultures bought from reputable sources.

Debra Holtzman, JD, MA, is currently the Honorary Co-Chair of the Florida SAFE KIDS Coalition. She has a master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health and is an attorney. Debra has nearly two decades of experience in the safety and health field.
Debra was recently featured as a safety expert on The Today Show, The John Walsh Show, MSNBC, Associated Press, and in USA Weekend Magazine, Reader's Digest, Parenting Magazine, Washington Post and Family Circle Magazine.
Debra Holtzman's popular and highly topical new safety book, The Panic-Proof Parent: Creating A Safe Lifestyle for your family (McGraw-Hill) is in bookstores. Visit Debra Holtzman's Web site.


Published in Networking Today, April 2003.