Hart Nat Hentoff David Horowitz Arianna Huffington Marianne Jennings Michael Kelly Mort Kondracke Ch. I was confused when I saw it on a list of items that add to our risk of death. The idea that peanut butter is a risk factor stems from the possible presence of a cancer-causing substance called aflatoxin, which attacks the liver.
Aflatoxin is produced by a mold known to grow on peanuts and other grains.
Although there are specific controls and inspections to prevent contaminated peanuts from getting into peanut butter, on rare occasions contaminated peanuts have gotten past the checkpoints. The major peanut butter brands have an excellent record at keeping aflatoxin out of their products. Whether packaged or sold in bulk, they represent a healthier choice than french fries, chips, candy, cookies, pastries and the like. All things considered, the risk from eating peanut butter is very small. The people who need to be on guard most are those allergic to peanuts.