Toxicity & Symptons

Formaldehyde can be found naturally in some foods, including:

• Group I: vegetables, juices, soft drinks, wines, beer, etc. The "normal" formaldehyde concentration in Group I foods is typically less than 25 ppm.
  IF FORMALDEHYDE CONCENTRATION IS GREATER THAN 25 PPM IN GROUP I FOODS, THEN THE FOOD MAY HAVE BEEN ADULTERATED.
  
  
• Group II: milk, meats, poultry, etc. The "normal" concentration of formaldehyde in Group II foods is typically 0 ppm and should always be less than 5 ppm.
  IF FORMALDEHYDE CONCENTRATION IS GREATER THAN 5 PPM IN GROUP II FOODS, THEN FOOD MAY HAVE BEEN ADULTERATED.

Note 1: Even if formaldehyde is detected in milk at concentrations less than 5 ppm, it should not be given to children.

Note 2: The concentration of formaldehyde in foods such as milk and meat declines as the food ages.

Note 3: Some crushed fruits and vegetables may contain large amounts of formaldehyde. This includes fresh and in particular old Shitaki and black mushrooms, which can have as much as 75-100 ppm formaldehyde that may INCREASE as the food ages. People sensitive to formaldehyde should avoid eating FRESH uncooked mushrooms and wash them before eating.

Note 4: The concentration of formaldehyde in old fruits and vegetables increases as they start to spoil, in particular if kept unrefrigerated and/or open to light and air.