Insects in Ketchup
Insect fragments may be present in ketchup because tomato plants are grown in soil and insects feed on them. The FDA allows limited defects that don’t pose a health risk. Consumers can be assured commercially produced ketchup is generally safe.
Fly Contamination
Some flies, particularly fruit flies, can produce intestinal irritation if their eggs in food are ingested. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many fly species are capable of this.
Bug Bits in Food
We eat about 140,000 bug bits yearly. Mealworms, maggots, and roach pieces are found in common foods like chocolate, coffee, and wheat flour. The FDA establishes limits for insect fragments in different food products.
Fruit Fly Eggs in Tomato Sauce
Fruit flies lay eggs in tomato sauce. The FDA allows specific amounts of fruit fly eggs and maggots in food products. Boiling is an effective method to eliminate flies.
How Many Bugs in Food?
The FDA allows limited defects in food that do not pose a health risk. The code of federal regulations permits the establishment of maximum levels of natural or unavoidable defects in food for human consumption.