However, one will often test negative while the other will test positive for the same chemical. Dr. Ames also points out that it is not only man-made substances that cause cancer. Using the same disputed techniques, he found a variety of other naturally occurring chemicals, present in substances from peanut butter to broccoli, that also cause cancer in test animals. The vast majority are due to genetics and lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or fatty foods. But they lose sight of the fact that relative, not absolute, risk is the important measure.
Most chemicals are present for a reason.
They help to control pests and bacteria. They lengthen shelf life. All act in ways that reduce the price of food and often the real danger associated with eating it. The result of strict enforcement of Delaney would likely be greater scarcity of some foods, price increases, and increased likelihood of contamination. The environment might also suffer as more harmful substances are used.