The FDA Is Cool With Bugs Apparently
As mentioned in other posts on this list, a certain level of contamination is acceptable when discussing food. The FDA, however, sets some surprising limits for specific foods. For instance, frozen broccoli can legally contain around 60 aphids, thrips, or mites per 100 grams. That’s a lot of tiny critters in your frozen veggies! It makes you wonder what people were eating before modern processing techniques
Were the numbers lower back then, or did they just accept more bugs in their diet? Either way, aphids are far from the worst offenders on this list.
Interestingly, these FDA standards are designed to ensure food safety while acknowledging that eliminating all natural contaminants is nearly impossible. Broccoli isn’t alone—other foods like spinach and cinnamon also have their own bug-related allowances. While it might sound unsettling, these insects are harmless and even provide a small amount of protein. Still, it’s a reminder of how much goes into the food we eat. Would you think twice before reaching for that frozen veggie bag?
