Certain foods can be considered unappetizing or even repulsive, especially if they fall outside the culinary norms of your culture. Take haggis, for example—a dish made from sheep organs stuffed into a sheep’s stomach—which is rarely enjoyed outside of Scotland. Similarly, lutefisk, a dish of aged fish soaked in lye, struggles to find fans beyond Scandinavia. Even regional favorites like balut, a fertilized duck egg incubated for up to 21 days before being eaten, can be shocking to outsiders. Foods like these often come with strong smells and unusual appearances that can be off-putting to those unfamiliar with them. However, what’s more unsettling are the hidden dangers, strange origins, and unsettling truths behind some of the everyday foods we consume without a second thought.
To shed light on these often-overlooked facts, we’ve compiled a list of fascinating (and sometimes alarming) details about common foods. These revelations might make you think twice about what you’re putting in your mouth.
1. Lemon Slices Can Be Covered in Fecal Particles
Lemons slices are a staple in many restaurants, often served alongside beverages like iced tea or cocktails. While it seems harmless, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that out of 76 lemon samples from 21 restaurants, nearly 70% were contaminated with 25 different types of bacteria and yeast—including traces of fecal matter and E. coli. The study noted that these microbes could potentially cause infections but also highlighted that no reported outbreaks have been linked to lemon slices in beverages. Poor hygiene practices among kitchen staff and the porous nature of citrus skins were identified as contributors to the contamination.
2. Raw Oysters Are Alive When You Eat Them
For seafood lovers, few things beat a plate of raw oysters paired with a cold beer. However, many people don’t realize that “raw” oysters are not just uncooked—they’re still alive when consumed. This is actually a good thing, as dead oysters can quickly harbor harmful bacteria. When purchasing oysters, check if the shell is slightly open; if it closes when tapped, the oyster is alive and safe to eat. If not, it’s best to discard it.
3. Most Gummy Candies Are Made from Pig Skin
Gummy candies owe their chewy texture to gelatin, which is derived from boiled animal parts like skin, bones, and tendons—often from pigs and cows. If this fact turns you off, look for vegan alternatives made with agar agar, a seaweed-based substitute. Brands like Bissinger’s and Sprouts offer vegan gummy options for guilt-free snacking.
4. You Can Buy Coffee Made from Civet Poop
Known as Kopi Luwak, this exotic coffee is made from beans that have passed through the digestive tract of the Asian palm civet. The fermentation process in the civet’s intestines reduces bitterness and enhances the beans’ flavor. However, ethical concerns surround its production, as some civets are caged and force-fed coffee cherries to meet demand. Kopi Luwak can cost up to $100 per kilogram.
5. Your Favorite Candy Might Be Coated in Insect Secretions
The shiny coating on hard candies often comes from shellac, a resin secreted by lac bugs. This natural polymer is also used to polish wood and coat apples. While the FDA considers shellac safe, it’s worth knowing that your candy’s glossy finish might have insect origins.
6. Vanilla Flavor Can Come from Beaver Secretions
Pure vanilla extract is expensive, so some food companies use castoreum, a secretion from beavers’ castor glands, as a substitute. This substance has a vanilla-like aroma and is used in flavoring desserts like ice cream and pudding. While it’s FDA-approved and considered safe, it’s a quirky fact that might make you rethink your vanilla intake.
7. Salami Is Uncooked Meat
Despite its popularity, salami is technically raw meat. It’s cured through dry aging, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. The meat is mixed with salt and lactic acid bacteria, then fermented before being dried in a controlled environment. This process makes it safe to eat without cooking.
8. Ice Machines Can Harbor More Bacteria Than Toilets
Restaurant ice machines can be breeding grounds for bacteria, especially if hygiene practices are lax. A 2017 study found that 22% of ice machines tested contained E. coli, with even more harmful bacteria present. Contaminated ice has been linked to outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the past.
9. Figs May Contain Dead Wasps
Some figs require pollination by fig wasps, which crawl inside the fruit and often die there. However, figs produce an enzyme called ficin that breaks down the wasp’s remains. Store-bought figs are usually pollinated without wasps, so this isn’t a concern for most consumers.
10. Canned Mushrooms Can Contain Worms
The FDA allows canned mushrooms to contain up to 20 or more worms of any size per 100 grams. While this might sound alarming, it’s considered safe for consumption—though it’s enough to make you reconsider your next mushroom dish.
