Things Worth Noting
McDonald’s fries, made from Russet Burbank potatoes, are a fast food icon, but their “dark truth” involves controversial ingredients and health risks. Grown with pesticides like Monitor, potatoes are blanched with sodium acid pyrophosphate and pre-fried in vegetable oils (canola, corn, soybean) containing omega-6 fatty acids, linked to inflammation. Additives like TBHQ, dimethylpolysiloxane, and natural […]
In 1997, the EU banned U.S. chicken imports due to concerns over chlorine-based antimicrobial treatments, like chlorine dioxide, used to reduce pathogens such as Salmonella. The EU’s precautionary principle prioritizes strict hygiene standards and poultry welfare, viewing these chemical rinses as risky, potentially masking poor farm practices. The U.S. insists chlorine washes are safe and […]
Steaming is a top healthy cooking method that preserves nutrients better than boiling or frying. It retains water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants in vegetables, seafood, and grains, supporting wellness and digestive health. Unlike frying, steaming uses no oil, aiding calorie reduction and heart health. Compared to boiling, it prevents nutrient loss into […]
Robots and automation revolutionize manufacturing and food processing, but wear and tear and heavy metal contamination pose challenges. Industrial robots face mechanical fatigue, corrosion, and abrasion, requiring preventive maintenance and IoT monitoring to extend lifespan and prevent metal residues from contaminating products. Heavy metals like lead and mercury threaten food and product safety, entering via […]
Charred and burnt meat, prized for its smoky flavor from the Maillard reaction, poses health risks due to harmful compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heterocyclic amines (HCAs), acrylamide, and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These carcinogens, formed during high-temperature cooking like grilling, may increase cancer risk and cause oxidative stress. To enjoy grilled meat safely, […]
Storing food oils and fats in plastic containers is common, but is it safe? Food-grade plastics like PET, HDPE, and PP are designed to minimize chemical leaching, meeting strict FDA and EU standards. However, concerns about BPA, phthalates, and other compounds migrating into oils persist, especially with heat or long storage. Oils can extract chemicals […]
18/0 stainless steel is a top choice for safe, durable silverware, especially for those with nickel sensitivities. With 18% chromium and 0% nickel, this nickel-free alloy offers corrosion resistance and strength, making it rust-resistant and hypoallergenic. Unlike 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel, which contain nickel and shine more, 18/0 is affordable, non-reactive, and ideal for […]
Oat milk has surged in popularity as a creamy, versatile plant-based milk, celebrated as a sustainable dairy alternative that caters to vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, and environmentally conscious consumers alike. With its smooth texture and subtle sweetness, it’s become a staple in coffee shops, kitchens, and grocery aisles. However, beneath the frothy surface lies a complex […]
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has long been a staple sweetener in the food industry, found in everything from sodas to baked goods. But in the late 2000s, a startling question emerged: could this ubiquitous ingredient harbor traces of mercury, a notorious heavy metal linked to toxicity and health risks? The intersection of mercury and […]
In 2007, pet owners across North America faced a nightmare scenario: their beloved dogs and cats were falling ill, and in many cases dying, due to a mysterious contamination in pet food. The culprit? Melamine, a nitrogen-rich industrial chemical with no business being in pet food. What unfolded became one of the largest pet food […]