What are you putting in your mouth?

Another happenstance discovery of mine. How many insect parts and rodent hairs are allowed in your food? A study says "more than you think and maybe more than you want to know." Correcto. T.M.I already.

Apparently, there are contaminants with "allowable" or "tolerable amounts" of anything from insect parts to rodent hairs. (I'd rather not tolerate any non-man made substance in my food, thank you very much!) (eggs shells in my scrambled eggs doesn't sound so bad anymore.)
"How about a little rat hair with your peanut butter? A fly head with your macaroni and cheese? Though it may sound disgusting, these things and other gross filth the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) calls "natural contaminants" are indeed allowed and present in your food."
From my understanding of the information, it's comes down to economics: it's impractical to grow, harvest, or process raw products that are totally free of non-hazardous, naturally occurring, unavoidable defects.
"Think insect parts and rodent hairs are more of a rarity? Think again. An Ohio University fact sheet estimates that we eat from one to two pounds of insects each year, and without knowing it." another quote from http://www.sixwise.com/

Apparently, this is not dangerous to us, the author has the audacity to state, "They're actually pretty healthy" Also the FDA says it's reasonable to accept these defects in our foods versus an increase in the amount of pesticides used on the produce. (Are these FDA guys on drugs?) I don't know about you, but if I find worm in my lettuce, I throw it out. Maybe I should leave it and have it become part of the chopped salad? Anyone who's watched Man vs Wild will tell you, a worm would be a welcomed supply of protein. But, we don't live in the wild.

The study did acknowledge the fact some contaminants may cause stomach disorders as well as the possibility of allergic reactions in some. Well, duhhhhhh! Gives cause to wonder about why we may not feel to good after some restaurant meals, huh. (Ask Tracey about when we ate in Wong Chang Lo's Chinese restaurant in San Fransciso! Same reason I don't eat in certain Taco shops in Vegas.)

If your too ill to comment, I understand. Man, this peanut butter sandwich tastes weird. Wish this was on home-made bread......