Foodborne Chemicals: Orders and What to Tell the Family

Orders

See Basic Diet Orders chapter.

What to Tell the Family

Many toxic chemicals are concentrated in fatty animal tissues (including fish liver and kidneys) or produced during cooking. To reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals, it is best to reduce consumption (and trim visible fat), as described in the basic diet orders.

Certain fish species are common sources of toxic exposures. While some evidence shows fish to be more healthful than other meats for various health outcomes (such as cardiovascular events), the toxic load of some fish species raises important concerns. This is of particular relevance for women prior to and during their childbearing years and for pregnant and lactating women. Despite the presence of some toxic chemicals in breast milk, the benefits of breast-feeding outweigh the presumed risks to the baby.

Organic produce is increasingly available. Nonorganically produced fruits and vegetables can be washed thoroughly with warm water and a soft brush to reduce pesticide residues. Certain fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, tomatoes, and grapes, tend to carry larger pesticide residues.

Household pesticides, if used at all, should be carefully stored. When they are used, family members and domestic animals should be protected from exposure for the period of time specified in the product instructions.