Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The researchers found human DNA in two percent of samples, and 2/3 of those products containing human DNA were vegetarian products. Four of the six samples that tested positive for human DNA were vegetarian products. However, areport uncoveredsome startling findingson what peopleare really eating when theybite into a frankfurter. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. DNA was in two per cent of all samples, predominantly in veggie products. We didnt reach out to any of the major hot dog manufacturers, because obviously they would only deny the studys findings. A spokesperson for Clear Food said that human DNA "degrades the quality of food" but is less of a public health concern. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. In light of the news that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially listed processed meats such as bacon and sausages as cancer-causing, this is probably the least of your worries if you're an avid hot dog lover. The products came from 75. And most of our top guys have seriously dry skin. Veggie dogs were the worst off, accounting for 67 percent of the hygiene issues and two-thirds of the human DNA found. In other words, the ingredients on the package didnt always match what was in the samples. And despite the genomic tests being done in California crowd-sourced labs, they probably dont have any people parts. The study also concludes that 10 percent of veggie dog brands tested contained meat. 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Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. MORE: 5 Gross Guy Habits That Are Good for You, The study comes from Clear Labsa food analytics startup based in Menlo Park, CA which used "genomic technology" to investigate hot dogs on a molecular level. Do a google search on the topic and you might end up believing that hot dogs contain everything short of snips and snails and puppy dogs' tails. Plant personnel wear clean clothes and gloves, they have sanitary working equipment, and the USDA regularly inspects to ensure that products are made cleanly and safely for consumers.". Just try to think a bit more about DNA testing while you're doing so. Marion Nestle, a professor of public health and food studies at New York University and the author of several books, including "Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health," said the report's findings are not entirely surprising. "Theres the old saying, 'You dont want to know how the sausage get made.' Altogether, 75 different hot dog brands from 10 different retailers were studied. Credit: Marek Janta. "Imagine how many apples could test positive after being handled by half the people shopping in the grocery store," he says. While some of these substitutions, hygienic issues, other variances, or off-label ingredients may be permitted by the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], our scientific disclosure allows you, as the consumer, to decide whether the variance or problems meet your personal standard in your buying decision," Clear Food explains. Eric Spitznagel is a frequent contributor to magazines like Playboy, Esquire, and the New York Times, and was employed for over two decades by the Second City comedy theater, where Stephen Colbert was his Secret Santa _twice. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council has attempted to reach Clear Food multiple times for further explanation on the report, according to Riley. But the good news from the report (yes, there is some!) It would appear that modern hot dogs are made almost entirely by scary-looking machines. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans spent $2.4 billion last year on hot dogs and another $2.74 billion on sausages. Human DNA Found in a Small Sample of Hot Dogs and Sausages by Julie Fidler Posted on October 28, 2015 Updated on October 24, 2021 General Health The next time you squeeze some ketchup onto a ballpark frank at a baseball game, you should know you could be eating porkor you could be eating someone's eyebrows or spit. Only one of the molecules has vitamin statusNR. Substitution issues are much more problematic. 2023 www.jacksonville.com. Its not all about, about 10 Foods Thatll Have You Sleeping Like A Baby. Theyre still, as with most things in life, best in moderation. Do they have appropriate laboratory quality procedures with both positive and negative reference sample controls in their analyses? ", Milkowski adds: "Certainly their information can make some juicy headlines and promote their organization, but I personally do not trust any of it. NR is a form of vitamin B3. Interestingly, two-thirds of the samples with human DNA were from vegetarian hot dogs, indicating that the meat-free options had more hygiene issues than the regular sausages. Researchers highlighted the pork, which was found in beef and turkey hot dogs, as a particularly problematic result, given that some religions forbid the consumption of pork. The study, conducted by food analytics lab Clear Food, analyzed 345 different hot dogs and sausages, including vegetarian versions. Initial attempts by USA TODAY Network to. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Even more disturbing, 66 percent of those cases were found in vegetarian-labeled products. Sources for Todays Article: Julie Fidler has written hundreds of articles on key world topics such as health, drugs, and law. Biden was treated for basal cell carcinoma. Skin is not allowed as it has no muscle tissue and thus does not qualify as a muscle trimming. In effect, almost all U.S. hot dogs are made with just meat.". But the ingredients of hot dogs aren't nearly as ominous as we're often led to believe. That human DNA the Fresh Lab scientists found on the hotdogs they tested? They also discovered human DNA in two percent of the samples. By MORGAN KORN October 27, 2015, 8:50 AM Americans spent $2.4 billion last year on hot dogs and another $2.74 billion on sausages according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. The study suggests that those looking for a DNA-free dog should head to Target, Safeway and Walmart, the study reports. Hope you enjoyed your lunch, Hannibal Lecter. But why bother with store-bought snacks when you can make healthier homemade versions, Calling All Dippers and Chippers! In 2014 Americans spent $2.5 billion on hot dogs, another $2.74 billion on dinner sausages, and over half a billion on breakfast sausages. Regionally, the top 3 specialty and regional hot dog brands were Gardein, Taverrites and Field to Family Natural Foods. It did not. Moreover, the amount of protein listed in some of the vegetarian products exaggerated the amount of protein in the item by as much as 250 percent, according to the report. Eric Spitznagel is a frequent contributor to magazines like Playboy, Esquire, and the New York Times, and was employed for over two decades by the Second City comedy theater, where Stephen Colbert was his Secret Santa _twice. As for specialty picks, the study suggested Taverrite's pork sausages and vegetarian option Gardien. Still, it's always nice to use a little science when making your shopping decisions, so go forth and gorge yourself on hot dogs. In products not supposed to contain them, 10 contained tracesof chicken meat, 9 pork, 4 beef, 3 turkey and 2 lamb. "It is unlikely that human DNA is harmful to consumer health. But if its vegetarian products youre looking for, your best bet is to make a trip to Trader Joes. And for most of the Internet, it was enough reason to go into full-on panic mode. They analyzed 345 hot dogs. Difficult economy and loneliness forces some retirees to move in with family, New drug could slow one type of vision loss, 20,000 people may have been exposed to measles at Asbury University revival. Kosher hot dogs were the safest choice for products containing no pork. The other other white meat. According to the data collected by Clear Foods it has been found that out of 345 hot dogs and sausages being analysed, two percent has traces of human DNA. Butterball, McCormick, Eckrich and Hebrew National were among the major brands that received top scores from Clear Foods. Samples showed chicken, beef, turkey and lamb were found in products that were not supposed to have those ingredients. Could Hibiscus Tea be Better than High Blood Pressure Drugs? Especially when it comes to hot dogs. While it may be the time of year when horror stories are passed around, the researchers believe that what theyre finding traces of isnt from chunks of human flesh, but rather from poor quality control standards that are resulting in human DNA entering the products in the forms of saliva, skin fragments (such as dry skin flakes), hair, and broken fingernails. "Oh yeah, sometimes a worker loses a finger or two in the goop vats. Even with this stigma, hot dogs and sausages are incredibly popular in the U.S. Last year, Americans spent more than $5.0 billion on hot dogs and sausages. But lets say, just for the sake of argument, that Clear Labs research methods and results can be trusted. Pork was found in 3% of samples, mostly in products advertised as chicken- or turkey-only, a discovery that is likely very disturbing to those who avoid pork due to religious reasons. Or shopping at grocery stores, or buying food that at any point in its production was touched by human hands. A new study has just revealed that hot dogs might, if research is to be believed, have a little human DNA in it. In other words, yes, your hot dogs are going to have a little human DNA on them. Oh, and she loves to take care of two ridiculously- spoiled cats in her free time. Clear Food is the consumer outreach arm of Clear Labs, a B2B food analytics startup based in California. Remember the first time a friend told you the horrible truth about hot dogs; that theyre actually made from lips and hooves and pigs anus? But this is not a contaminant but a non-aesthetic idea of something in our food that the average consumer feels may not be pleasing to them.. In general, we consider human DNA a hygienic issue that degrades the quality of food more than a public health concern," Sasan Amini, also a Clear Labs cofounder, told HuffPost. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Human DNA found in the hot dogs was classified as a hygienic issue because human hair or skin dander likely got into the product during the manufacturing process, TruthOrFiction.com said the study reported. While, Before you gulp that daily glass of OJ, check out these 9 other surprising foods packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient required for the development and maintenance of scar tissue, blood vessels, cartilage and more. At least not enough to worry about. Researchers found issues with 14.4 percent of analyzed samples. The U.S. does not allow blood, he says. Do you really know whats in your food? The stuffers pump the emulsified hot dog mixture into casings. "Any organs or edible by-products must be explicitly labeled in the ingredient line and the product name must have a qualifier 'made with variety meats'. It could have come from the person doing the analysis in the lab, says Rentfrow. A food with a substitution issue has an unexpected ingredient that is not listed on the label. What is a Detox Bath and How do You take One? If you can stomach it, take a look at this video demonstrating how hot dogs are made. In other words, yes, your hot dogs are going to have a little human DNA on them. Oh yeah, sometimes a worker loses a finger or two in the goop vats. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Overall, 14.4 percent of the hot dogs and sausages tested by Clear Foods were problematic, the company said. If you crunched the numbers, it was admittedly alarming. Hot dog ingredients have long been a source of controversy. The company found hygiene issues in four of its 21 vegetarian samples. Processed meat causes cancer, red meat could too, says WHO, According to a report from a research division of WHO, processed meats cause cancer, and red meat likely does, too. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case, Report has startling revelations for contents of hot dogs. Pork substitution was an issue in products across the price spectrum being sold at a wide variety of retailers.". It also found human DNA in 2 percent of its hot dog samples and two-thirds of the vegetarian samples. Hot dogs are considered one of the most American foods. Challenge yourself to drink one gallon of water DAILY at least for 30 days! "One thing's certain: questions about the hot dog are as old as the hot dog itself. DNA from 7,300-year-old skeleton Bess' found in Sulawesi cave uncovers mysterious human lineage ABC Science / By science reporter Belinda Smith Posted Wed 25 Aug 2021 at 12:00pm, updated Wed 25 Aug 2021 at 2:02pm The cave in which this skeleton was found was earmarked for development as a water park. The Hot Dog Report, Clear Food web site; http://www.clearfood.com/food_reports/2015/the_hotdog_report, last accessed October 30, 2015. Clear Food analyzed 345 hot dogs and sausages from 75 different brands sold at 10retailers and found that 14% had hygienic or substitution issues, according to thereport. Overall, the company found nutritional label inaccuracies, pork substitution and some unexpected ingredients, including chicken and lamb in its hot dogs. A report by California startup Clear Food. Yes, two percent of hot dogs and sausages out there contain human DNA, as a new study recently found.. How did actual human DNA end up in hotdogs? In light of the news that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has, Pork substitution was an issue in products across the price spectrum being sold at a wide variety of retailers. And so does most food that was processed, cooked, boxed, or placed on a supermarket shelf by another human being. This information is coming from a study by a fairly new organization thats using Kickstarter to fund much of its research. I would imagine if you used the same technology to discover what was on cereal boxes in the grocery store aisle, you might no longer trust what is in other food products as well, Campbell says. That's right, human DNA. The Absolute Best Crackers for Healthy Snacking, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Human DNA. It sounds horrifying. Occasionally human workers are involved in the process, but they're wearing so much protective gear you'd think they were handling plutonium. Woot! Additionally, 10 percent of all vegetarian products appeared to contain meat. The DNA found in the samples likely came from "hair, skin, finger nail or saliva that was accidentally mixed in during the manufacturing process," according to Clear Food. Suppress Coughs by Coating the Throat inChocolate? Remember the last time you were in the produce section of a grocery store? The lab analyzes a product's label and how closely that matches its actual molecular contents, as well as nutrition-content accuracy, such as carbs, fat, calories and protein. Part of HuffPost News. Ten percent of vegetarian products contained meat. All that really means is that Clear uses genetic sequencing to figure out just whats in your lunch. Overall, 14.4% of the hotdogs and sausages that were tested were listed as "problematic" because of substituted or unexpected ingredients or hygienic issues. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. In addition to the human DNA, 67% of the hygienic issues detected in the samples were caused by vegetarian products. It did not . " Report: Human DNA Found in Hot Dogs " said USA Today, in a typical example. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. What they found was that 14.4 percent of the items tested were problematic in some way, either as a result of contamination - which means that a non-harmful contaminant was found, most often human DNA - or substitution, which is where another food ingredient that's not on the label has been added. Its not like somebody found a pinkie in a Hebrew National. Hot dog sausages contain human DNA, study says, and many vegetarian ones contain meat Another problem is that 4.3 per cent of burgers contained pathogenic DNA, which can cause food. That could very well leave skin cells or other DNA sources on equipment, Campbell says. Initial attempts by USA TODAY Network to reach out to the company independently have proved unsuccessful. This publicity stunt changes nothing about the fundamental safety of Americas carefully regulated and inspected hot dogs.. Sometimes referred to as mystery meat, hot dogs have often been the target of rumors.