raw peanut butter

[Guest guest]

Aflatoxins are what is in peanuts. Rather it is on the shell and gets into the

peanuts and especially peanut butter. It is a naturally occuring thing on the

shell and is known to be a carcinogen.

 

Here's what I found at one site: The peanut butter info is at the bottom of the

article. The entire piece can be read at:

http://www.icrisat.org/media/2002/media9.htm --- Shari

" Aflatoxin: A Deadly Hazard, 1 May, 2002

 

Facts about Aflatoxin: Things that you need to know...

 

Aflatoxins cause cancer and trigger mutations, especially to genes involved in

the production of liver cancer. They are also immunosuppressive, which means,

like HIV, they make you susceptible to other health disorders.

 

Aflatoxin contamination is harmful to both humans and animals. Poultry, cattle

and sheep are especially susceptible.

More facts:

 

In 1994, more than 200,000 broiler chickens died in Ranga Reddy District as a

result of Aflatoxin contamination of groundnut cake in chicken feed.

 

a.. Nearly 25% of the milk supplied in Hyderabad through retail outlets is

contaminated with Aflatoxin.

b.. The exact number of humans infected is not well known but there have been

several reports indicating high levels of aflatoxins in the blood and urine of

people. ICRISAT's research assessed Aflatoxin contamination in such food items

as groundnuts, chillies, and various spices like ginger, black pepper, turmeric

and coriander.

c.. In a survey of supermarkets across the city it was found that a large

number of other groundnut products like chikkies (or peanut crunch), peanut

butter, and milk-based confectionary were contaminated.

d.. Studies reveal that milk, including popular brands meant for infants, is

also contaminated. The milk used in children's formula often comes from cattle

fed with contaminated food. "