The BfR Consumer Monitor Special on naturally happening plant toxins likewise revealed that this risk worries 27 percent.In contrast, residues in food (e.g. from plant protection items) and pollutants, i.e. compounds that are not deliberately included to food (e.g. heavy metals), cause concern for 63 and 62 percent of respondents respectively. “The study results make it clear that dangers of natural origin tend to be underestimated, while dangers of synthetic origin tend to be overestimated,” says BfR President Professor Andreas Hensel.Raw plant-based foods are consumed regularly by 34 percent, sometimes or hardly ever by 45 percent, and really rarely or not at all by 19 percent.Which foods with naturally occurring plant toxic substances do you already understand? More than half of the participants (53 percent) feel poorly notified about plant toxins in food, while only eight percent feel well informed.At 63 percent and 62 percent respectively, considerably more consumers are worried about residues or contaminants.Residues are recurring quantities of compounds that are used in the production of food.
A research study exposes a lack of public awareness and concern about naturally taking place toxic substances in foods, with numerous feeling poorly notified and not appropriately dealing with risks like mold in food, contrasting with higher concerns about artificial residues and contaminants.Many individuals fret about the existence of chemical residues, contaminants, or microplastics in their food. Yet, its less frequently comprehended that many foods naturally consist of contaminants. These are typically chemical substances that plants produce to secure themselves from predators like microbes and pests. Such compounds, discovered in foods like beans and potatoes, can potentially pose health risks.However, according to a recent representative study by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), only just under half of the participants (47 percent) were even knowledgeable about plant toxic compounds. The BfR Consumer Monitor Special on naturally happening plant toxic substances also exposed that this threat stresses 27 percent.In contrast, residues in food (e.g. from plant protection products) and impurities, i.e. compounds that are not purposefully contributed to food (e.g. heavy metals), cause concern for 63 and 62 percent of participants respectively. “The study results make it clear that dangers of natural origin tend to be ignored, while threats of synthetic origin tend to be overstated,” states BfR President Professor Andreas Hensel.Raw plant-based foods are consumed frequently by 34 percent, occasionally or seldom by 45 percent, and extremely rarely or not at all by 19 percent.Which foods with naturally taking place plant toxic substances do you currently know? If this question is asked openly and without pre-selection, potatoes are named very first (15 percent), followed by tomatoes, raw beans (9 percent each), and mushrooms (5 percent). Public Concern and Information DeficitNaturally happening harmful substances worry 27 percent in the survey. More than half of the respondents (53 percent) feel improperly informed about plant toxic substances in food, while only eight percent feel well informed.At 63 percent and 62 percent respectively, substantially more consumers are worried about residues or contaminants.Residues are recurring quantities of substances that are utilized in the production of food. For instance, residues can stay in fruit, vegetables, or cereals even if plant protection products are used correctly.Contaminants, on the other hand, are unfavorable substances that unintentionally wind up in food. They can take place naturally in the environment, emerge during the processing of raw materials into food or be released into the environment as a result of human activities. Contaminants are unfavorable since they can be hazardous to health under specific circumstances.The study also clarified the related topic of “moldy food”. Here, too, there is a clear need for education. Even little amounts of mold contaminants can be harmful to the health of animals and human beings. Musty jam, for example, should therefore constantly be dealt with entirely. However, 25 percent of participants mentioned that they just remove the musty part. Even when it comes to moldy berries, impacted and surrounding fruit should no longer be eaten. Only 60 percent abide by this guideline.
