Memorial Day tips and more!👓

MAY NEWSLETTER

Para español, oprima aquí

Real Poison Center Case

A woman called the poison center after consuming a rhubarb pie that she had made using the leaves of the rhubarb plant. She reported feeling nauseous, dizzy, and weak shortly after eating the pie. The specialist in poison information advised her to seek medical attention immediately.

Rhubarb leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of oxalic acid poisoning can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure and even death.

The woman in this case was hospitalized and treated for oxalic acid poisoning. Fortunately, she recovered without any long-term complications.

This case serves as a reminder to be mindful of the parts of

fruits and vegetables that are safe for consumption. While rhubarb stalks are a popular ingredient in pies and other desserts, the leaves should always be discarded.

Memorial Day Tips

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. For many, it is also a time to gather with family and friends for picnics and barbecues. While these gatherings are usually enjoyable, it is important to keep food safety in mind to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.

1. Keep it clean: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.

2. Use clean utensils and dishes when preparing and serving food. Make sure to also clean any surfaces that comes into contact with food, such as countertops and cutting boards.

3. Keep it cool: Refrigerate perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, and dairy products, until ready to use. Keep them chilled on ice or in a cooler during transport and when serving.

4. Keep it hot: Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the appropriate temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. Keep hot foods at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above until ready to serve.

5. Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw meats separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and dishes for raw meat and other foods.

Your food is poisonous! Kind of.

We often hear about the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables. However, it is important to note that not all parts of these foods are safe for consumption. Some parts of fruits and vegetables can be toxic and can be harmful to humans if consumed in large quantities.

Apple seeds: Apple seeds contain a substance called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Consuming a small amount of apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm, but it is advisable to remove the seeds before eating an apple.

Rhubarb leaves: Rhubarb is a popular ingredient in pies and other desserts, but

the leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. It is best to remove the leaves before using rhubarb in recipes.

Potatoes: Potatoes contain a toxin called solanine, which is primarily found in the leaves and stems of the plant. However, sprouted potatoes can contain high levels of solanine. It is important to remove any green sprouts before cooking or eating potatoes.

Tomato leaves and stems: Tomato leaves and stems contain a toxic substance called tomatine, which can cause digestive issues and even be fatal in large quantities. It is best to remove the leaves and stems before using tomatoes in recipes.

Cherry pits: Cherry pits contain a substance called cyanogenic glycoside, which can release cyanide when digested. It is important to remove the pits before consuming cherries.

Avocado pits and skin: Avocado pits and skin contain a substance called persin,

which can be toxic to some animals, including horses, dogs, and birds. While the flesh of the avocado is safe for human consumption, it is best to avoid consuming the pit and skin.

While fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, it is important to be aware of the parts that can be toxic to humans. By avoiding these parts or removing them before consumption, we can safely enjoy the many health benefits that fruits and vegetables have to offer.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been consumed any of these toxic plants and vegetables parts, contact your local poison center immediately for advice. Poison centers are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential, and expert medical advice.

Visit our website

Order Materials

Check out the Texas Poison Center Network's Blog