Each year, as we prepare for the holidays and their attendant feasting, we find ourselves awash in warnings about our food supply. From all sides we hear the voices of the pantry patrol's panicky pundits who urge the parents of infants and small children to feed their kiddies exclusively on organically grown foods to prevent their ingesting deadly, cancer-causing pesticide residues. Carrots, whether organic or not, contain traces of caffeic acid. These compounds also cause cancer in rodents. Then there are aflatoxins.
Toxicologists recognize aflatoxins among the most potent animal carcinogens known.
They are produced by a fungus that can contaminate peanut, corn, and other crops. You'll likely find tiny amounts of aflatoxins in your seasonal tray of mixed nuts. Finally, for dessert, you can have a hint of acetaldehyde and a soupcon of safrole. Both are known rodent carcinogens. You'll find them in that all American favorite, apple pie.