Molds, Toxins, & Contaminants

Most food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites rather than toxic substances in the food. But, some cases of food poisoning can be linked to either natural toxins (such as those in some mushrooms and pufferfish) or chemical toxins (such as pesticides or melamine). While some molds are desirable in foods (such as blue cheese), other molds can produce toxins that cause illness.

General Information

Bad Bug Book (FDA)
Basic facts regarding foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins, including shellfish toxins, aflatoxins, and tetrodotoxin (pufferfish).

Molds On Food: Are They Dangerous? (USDA)
General information on molds and toxins produced by them, along with a chart, Molds on Food, that describes when to use or discard foods with mold.

Let's Talk About Molds in Foods (USDA)
How to minimize mold growth and what to do if you find mold on your food.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (7:44 minutes)

Melamine

Low Risk of Illness From Food Containing Melamine (FDA)
Consumer update on the risk of melamine in imported food.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) Information for Parents (HHS)
Questions and answers on BPA, along with recommendations for minimizing infants' exposure.

Update on Bisphenol A (BPA) for Use in Food (FDA)
Includes links to the full January 2010 update.

Since You Asked - Bisphenol A (BPA) (NIH)
Questions and answers about bisphenol A from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.