Is it safe to consume peanuts?
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Dr. Michael T Murray answered:Aflatoxin, a poison produced by Aspergillus flavus, a fungus, is known to grow well on peanuts. A known carcinogen, it is 20 times more noxious than DDT. It has been related to low intelligence and mental retardation. In fact, one rural Georgia town had twice the average rate of mental retardation due to a diet high in homegrown peanuts. Because of this link, pregnant women are cautioned to stay away from peanuts and foods containing peanuts during pregnancy.
The FDA does have a 20-parts-per-billion maximum limit of aflatoxin in food. Since this fungus likes warm and moist environments, you should store your peanuts in a cool, dry place. Roasted peanuts last longer than raw peanuts. Peanuts also contain large amounts of oxalate. Individuals with a history of oxalate containing kidney stones should avoid over-consuming them.
Finally, peanuts are a highly allergenic food, with some people at risk for anaphylaxis if they even breathe air containing peanut dust. The rate of severe peanut allergy is increasing, and as a result, peanuts are no longer provided as a snack on airplane flights. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 food-related severe allergic reactions are treated in emergency departments each year, and 150 to 200 deaths each year are caused by a reaction to peanuts.
Aflatoxin, a poison produced by Aspergillus flavus, a fungus, is known to grow well on peanuts. A known carcinogen, it is 20 times more noxious than DDT. It has been related to low intelligence and mental retardation. In fact, one rural Georgia town... More
