H E A L T H

better

W h at should I

do.if I

,

see m o o on m y food?

a n s w e r

Don’t assume the mold you see on the surface is the whole story.

“Mold spores look like tiny mushrooms under a microscope,” notes Ruth

Frechman, R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “The tops

are the fuzzy stuff we see on the surface, but the stems can grow deep into the

food.” Discard almost all moldy food, especially soft foods like fruits, casseroles,

yogurt, and jams. Don't sniff—you may inhale spores. Worth saving: hard

salamis and cheese, and firm produce like cabbage, bell peppers, or carrots. Cut

at least an inch off, below and around the mold, and eat the rest.

a n s w e r

Stick to the two-hour rule.

Toss anything that goes longer

without refrigeration. Properly

stored, soups, stews, all cooked

meat, and leftover pizza will keep

for

3-4

days. Tuna, egg, chicken,

and macaroni salads and opened

packages of luncheon meat can last

up to

5

days. For more storage

times, visit

foodsafety.gov/keep/

charts/storagetimes.html.

a n s w e r

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used to make the polycarbonate plastic

in many food containers, canned good linings, baby formula, and other household

items. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that BPA is now in the blood or

urine of

93

percent of Americans. It belongs to a group of compounds known as

“endocrine disrupters,” which studies have linked to breast cancer, obesity,

attention deficit disorder, and abnormal hormonal and genital development in

infants; the Food and Drug Administration, while continuingto pursue

studies, believes there is “ reason for some concern” over the chemical’s

effects on fetuses and children. “ I would avoid it,” says Dr. Robert Lawrence of

Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. “Enough research suggests there are

risks.” To reduce your family’s exposure, he advises, store and heat food in

glass or ceramic containers, and opt for a stainless-steel water bottle.

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS APRIL 2010

243

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