Citrus alert: Expert warns about carcinogenic peel hazards
A significant post about citrus fruits appeared on Dawid Polak's Instagram. The scientist highlighted what was found on the label and explained the nature of the substance. "It's an agent that has been classified as 'probably carcinogenic to humans,'" he warns.
6:24 AM EDT, October 16, 2024
As Dawid Polak wrote on his Instagram account, biotech.geek, the lemons available in stores are coated with a specific agent. The scientist explained in detail why this mysterious ingredient could be potentially dangerous to people.
An expert warns: Dangerous substances on citrus peels
"Lemons have imazalil on them. It is a fungicide that has been classified as 'probably carcinogenic to humans,'" Dawid Polak explains at the beginning of his post, showing store labels on the fruits where the mentioned substance indeed appears.
"This means that in large amounts, its consumption can lead to the development of cancers. However, since imazalil is mainly found on the fruit peels, its consumption is limited," the expert continues.
As Polak adds, to minimize the risk, it is recommended to regularly wash fruits before eating. The toxic dose of the mentioned substance for an adult male weighing 154 pounds is over 333 units.
We bought lemons. What's next?
To remove harmful substances found on citrus peels, it is crucial to wash them thoroughly in warm water—preferably using a brush and, optionally, dish soap. "Fruits with thicker skins, like grapefruits, can additionally be scalded with boiling water, which more effectively removes imazalil," advises Dawid Polak.
He adds that if you plan to use lemon peel in cooking, it's beneficial to remove substances from it that do not dissolve in water.
"To do this, first rinse the fruits in water with vinegar or citric acid, and then in a baking soda solution, which eliminates pesticides and preservatives. This process minimizes the risk of consuming toxins," instructs the expert.
