What’s Really in Our Food? Shocking Truths from the FDA’s Own Guidelines
“Let’s talk about what’s really in the food we eat - and it’s not pretty.” - Dr. Joe
In his latest video, Dr. Joe Corcoran breaks down a disturbing reality: even foods labeled “safe” by the FDA may legally contain insect fragments, rodent hairs, and other contaminants — and it’s all allowed under an obscure regulation called the Food Defect Action Levels.
What Are Food Defect Action Levels?
This regulation — buried deep in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act — sets the maximum acceptable amounts of contaminants in our food. The key word? Acceptable. These levels aren't zero — they’re thresholds for what the FDA considers “unavoidable” and not harmful to human health. And here's the kicker: enforcement is minimal. Most of it relies on self-reporting and occasional spot checks.
Just How Bad Is It?
Dr. Joe shares jaw-dropping examples from a recent CNN article:
Canned or frozen berries: Up to 4 larvae per 500g.
Broccoli: An average of 60+ aphids, thrips, or mites per 100g.
Chocolate bars: Up to 25 insect fragments… per bar.
Peanut butter: More than 400 insect pieces and 13+ rodent hairs per jar.
Canned mushrooms: Up to 20 maggots per 100g.
Coffee beans: 10% may be insect-infested or damaged.
Prepared rice: 150 insect fragments and 2+ rodent hairs per serving.
And yes — even your bar drinks aren’t safe. Citrus juices can contain fly eggs or maggots.
What Can You Do?
Dr. Joe isn’t just sounding the alarm. He’s offering real-world, practical advice:
1. Choose Whole, Unprocessed Foods
Unprocessed foods are less likely to be contaminated than their packaged counterparts. Opt for whole fruits, vegetables, and meats — and clean them thoroughly at home.
2. Wash & Prepare Foods Carefully
Use a brush for potatoes and apples
Soak leafy greens and shake them clean
Peel produce when possible
Store food in airtight containers (glass is better than plastic)
Refrigerate perishables promptly and check expiration dates
3. Consider Growing Your Own
Even a small patio or windowsill garden gives you more control over what ends up on your plate. Tomatoes and herbs are easy to start with.
4. Buy Organic (When You Can)
Yes, it can cost more — but avoiding pesticides and minimizing contamination might be worth skipping your daily coffee shop run.
5. Shop Local
Smaller farms and farmers markets often avoid industrial-scale pesticide use and may offer fresher, less-processed produce.
6. Cook at Home More Often
Restaurants don’t let you control the sourcing, storage, or prep of your food. Meal prepping at home gives you more control — and peace of mind.
7. Avoid the Highest-Risk Products
Items like canned mushrooms, ground spices, and frozen greens often rank highest in contamination levels. When possible, choose whole versions and prepare them yourself.
8. Stay Informed
Pay attention to food recalls. Read labels. Educate yourself. And if in doubt? Throw it out.
9. Use a Spice Grinder
Whole spices are far less likely to be contaminated than ground ones. Buying whole and grinding at home can reduce exposure to fragments and filth.
“Eat Cleaner. Move. Sleep.”
Dr. Joe’s signature philosophy centers around practical steps to improve your health — and this video is a wake-up call for anyone trying to clean up their diet. Start where you are. Then eat cleaner. Still.
Watch the full video above, share it with someone you care about, and take one step today toward a safer, healthier plate.