Oaklander, M., This Could Cut Your Health Costs by $25,000 a Year, Study Finds, Time web site,October 13, 2015; http://time.com/4071897/stress-relief-healthcare-costs/. 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. One with a hygienic issue contains non-harmful contaminants, such as human DNA. Regionally, the top 3 specialty and regional hot dog brands were Gardein, Taverrites and Field to Family Natural Foods. But hey, customers hardly ever taste the flakes.. How do they assure there are no false positives?, Milkowski adds: Certainly their information can make some juicy headlines and promote their organization, but I personally do not trust any of it., (As of this writing, reps at Clear Lab have not responded to requests for comment.). As for specialty picks, the study suggested Taverrite's pork sausages and vegetarian option Gardien. Found ten per cent of vegetarian hot dogs and sausages contained meat. Concession stand worker Janice Towns checks on the hot dogs she is making July 23, 2013, on National Hot Dog Day at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Credit: Marek Janta. The study indicates that many people could be eating pork without realizing it, although kosher hot dogs were found to be safe. How did actual human DNA end up in hotdogs? Horton, H., Human DNA found in hot dogs and 10% of vegetarian sausages contain meat, The Telegraph web site, October 27, 2015; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11956947/human-DNA-found-in-hot-dogs-vegetarian-sausages-contain-meat.html. The human DNA found in the dogs is largely the result of hair and broken fingernails. Hot dogs have always had a reputation for containing God-knows-what, but recent DNA testing on wieners revealed the presence of human DNA in small sample of the franks. A food with a substitution issue has an unexpected ingredient that is not listed on the label. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? And we know that the food being served is almost as important as which team is scoring the most points. 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. Just try to think a bit more about DNA testing while you're doing so. And most of our top guys have seriously dry skin. The other other white meat. Like Davey Griffin, Ph.D., a professor and meat specialist at the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M; University. Human DNA has been found in two per cent of hot dogs and sausages, a major study of popular brands has revealed Tests on 345 samples from different 75 brands also revealed ten per cent of. 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. "It is unlikely that human DNA is harmful to consumer health. For most of us growing up, it was one of those irresistible rumorslike how some rock songs have satanic messages if you play them backwardsthat aren't true but were endlessly fun to repeat. Apparently not too many of us do. Overall, 14.4 percent of the hot dogs and sausages tested by Clear Foods were problematic, the company said. "We found chicken in a vegetarian breakfast sausage and pork in a vegetarian hot dog," the report explains. Molecular biologists at Clear Labs then extracted the DNA from samples of these products and matched them to the genetic code of different animals. Vegetarian hot dog products surprisingly fared the worst in this regard, with four out of the 21 products tested containing human DNA. How is anything from the bodies of a hotdog worker getting into the mix? Nobody knows what's in a hot dog. A report found some evidence of human DNA in a small percentage of tested hot dogs, a study shows. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. What percentage of grocery store fruits and vegetables have a little human DNA on them? Remember the last time you were in the produce section of a grocery store? "We found chicken in a vegetarian breakfast sausage and pork in a vegetarian hot dog," the report explains. Two-thirds of that human DNA was found in vegetarian hot dogs. They're still, as with most things in life, best in moderation. The hot dog and sausage report was self-funded, according to Clear Food. And if this new research is in any way factual, 1.4 of your yearly hot dogs have bits of people in them. Clear Food says the best retailers for hot dogs and sausage products are Target, Walmart and Safeway, and the top brands (in order) are Butterball, McCormick, Ekrich, and Hebrew National, all of which received a Clear Score of 96. Do they have appropriate laboratory quality procedures with both positive and negative reference sample controls in their analyses? The lab does not release the names of poor-performing products it analyzes. Initial attempts by USA TODAY Network to reach out to the company independently have proved unsuccessful. The human DNA isn't . Theyre still, as with most things in life, best in moderation. For the record, no, hot dogs dont contain anus. Ten percent of vegetarian products contained meat. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Substitution issues are much more problematic. But a word of warning - the scientists only looked at one sample of each product, so it's hard to get a clear picture from that limited information about the overall safety and accuracy of an entire product line or brand. ", "Anything that's made from meat byproducts is likely to contain parts that don't pass the 'yuck' test," she added. 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. What is it? Overall, 14.4 percent of the hot dogs and sausages tested by Clear Foods "were. A report by California startup Clear Food. Flashback: Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury, 3 Simple, Natural Ways for Detoxing Your Body, The Herbal Remedy to Kick the Smoking Habit & Repair the Lungs. Check out the Clear Food site for the complete list of products Clear Food regards as high quality. 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. Clear Food reported that it found human DNA in six of the 345 samples, or 2 percent of all samples tested. We didn't reach out to any of the major hot dog manufacturers, because obviously they would only deny the study's findings. This $50 Meal Prep Plan Will Help You Build Muscle, 10 Food Subscription Boxes Worth Ordering, Theres Nothing Special About Gut Health Diets. But pig anus may seem like a more appetizing option when compared with the latest hot dog accusation. Likely more than 2%. And Gardein topped the specialty and regional hot dog list. 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. So, sorry, there arent any pig anuses in hot dogs. But the ingredients of hot dogs arent nearly as ominous as were often led to believe. But let's say, just for the sake of argument, that Clear Labs' research methods and results can be trusted. As for the top dogs, Clear Food recommends national brands Butterball, McCormick, Eckrich and Hebrew National. Butterball, McCormick, Eckrich and Hebrew National were among the major brands that received top scores from Clear Foods. "Yes, humans work at meat processing establishments," he says. Scientists may have tracked down the small percentage of DNA that might give modern humans the qualities unique to the species. A new study has just revealed that hot dogs might, if research is to be believed, have a little human DNA in it. DNA is not a food safety hazard, says Jonathan A. Campbell, Ph.D., a Meat Specialist and Assistant Professor at Penn State University. 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. Occasionally human workers are involved in the process, but they're wearing so much protective gear you'd think they were handling plutonium. Or lips. The study, conducted by food analytics lab Clear Food, analyzed 345 different hot dogs and sausages, including vegetarian versions. But the ingredients of hot dogs aren't nearly as ominous as we're often led to believe. Related: The 26 Hot Dogs Every Man Must Devour. I have been in numerous plants that make hot dogs and other processed meat products across this country, he told us. Trader Joe's is the best bet for vegetarians. In other words, yes, your hot dogs are going to have a little human DNA on them. In other words, yes, your hot dogs are going to have a little human DNA on them. Is that even possible? October 25, 2015 / 10:20 AM They analyzed 345 hot dogs. A new report, however, adds extra meaning to the phrase "you don't want to know how the sausage gets made.". The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that in this country alone, we consume around 20 billion hot dogs annuallyor 70 hot dogs per person every year. People who don't eat pork might want to stay away from chicken dogs and sausages, as some of these brands commingled pork products. Beef, chicken, pork, and lamb were all found as unlisted ingredients. It also found human DNA in 2 percent of its hot dog samples and two-thirds of the vegetarian samples. Americans eat 20 billion hot dogs and 14 billion servings of sausages each year, according to the council. ", After reviewing the company's website and research, Milkowski claims that while the founders have a molecular genetics background, "as far as I can tell they do not have any expertise or scientific training around food or agriculture." Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Does anyone leave a hotdog plant without taking a Silkwood shower? October 25, 2015 11:34 PM ET. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Hope you enjoyed your lunch, Hannibal Lecter. Font Size: Clear Food, a subsidiary of food analyzation startup Clear Labs, found that human DNA is present in 2 percent of hot dog and sausage brands, according to a recent study. But it's there. Substitution occurs when ingredients are added that do not show up on the label. Major brands including Butterball, Boar's Head, Hebrew National, Oscar Meyer, Jennie O and Trader Joe's all received high marks. Imagine how many apples could test positive after being handled by half the people shopping in the grocery store, he says. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Sixty-seven percent of hygienic problems found in the report were from vegetarian products. It would appear that modern hot dogs are made almost entirely by scary-looking machines. It also found human DNA in 2 percent of its hot dog samples and two-thirds of the vegetarian samples. This information is coming from a study by a fairly new organization thats using Kickstarter to fund much of its research. Is that even possible? Is there any food more maligned than the lowly hot dog? You May Also Like 13 Signs You Need to See a Dermatologist Overall, 14.4 percent of the hot dogs and sausages tested by Clear Foods "were problematic," the company said. Clear Food study found 14.4 per cent of hot dogs or . However, areport uncoveredsome startling findingson what peopleare really eating when theybite into a frankfurter. "Most consumers would be pleased and surprised to find out how clean and sanitary these plants are. It sounds horrifying. Or lips. Clear Food does not release the names of the poor-performing products. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. Clear Food says its testing found human DNA in two percent of all hot dog samples. If you crunched the numbers, it was admittedly alarming. "U.S. standards and labeling requirements are restrictive," says Milkowski. But if its vegetarian products youre looking for, your best bet is to make a trip to Trader Joes. DNA is not on the FDA's list of product defects, so the agency would likely decide what action needs to be taken on a "case-by-case basis" if it confirmed the report's findings. Even more disturbing, 66 percent of those cases were found in vegetarian-labeled products. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story mistakenly listed the Taverrite's brand as vegetarian. Today, hot dogs are usually processed in factories, where meat trimmings, spices, and other ingredients are chopped and blended into an emulsification and routed to automatic stuffers. 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. Some Hot Dogs, Sausages Studied Contain Human DNA, Says New Report Clear Foods also analyzed vegetarian hot dogs and sausages. Are Farmers Being Manipulated Into Buying GMO Soybean Seeds? ", "It's entirely possible that the human DNA found could be linked back to the company's own staff," Riley said in a statement on Tuesday. Clear Food says its testing found human DNA in two percent of all hot dog samples. But why bother with store-bought snacks when you can make healthier homemade versions, Calling All Dippers and Chippers! 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. All of these things can contaminate meat on the production line as its prepared and packaged. First of all, lets all take a deep breath. 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.". And despite the genomic tests being done in California crowd-sourced labs, they probably don't have any people parts. There were also issues with the nutritional content listed . What is DNA? Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home - Most Popular News Human DNA Found in Hot Dogs. It happens. 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. The article "Is There Really Human DNA in Hot Dogs?" Yes, human DNA! But pig anus may seem like a more appetizing option when compared with the latest hot dog accusation. Well, as you hopefully already knew, hot dogs aren't something you should be eating at every meal. The skull of a modern human female individual from Zlat k. Andrew L. Milkowski, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Wisconsin, says hes suspicious about the quality of (Clear Labs) information., After reviewing the companys website and research, Milkowski claims that while the founders have a molecular genetics background, as far as I can tell they do not have any expertise or scientific training around food or agriculture. And they provide limited information on their methodology. With all of the green vegetable options out there, here are a few reasons, Need an easy, inexpensive and dare I say FUN way to drink more water? If you can stomach it, take a look at this video demonstrating how hot dogs are made. For non-meat eaters the results are particularly eye-opening: 10 percent of the vegetarian products tested contained meat (chicken in the veggie breakfast sausages and pork in the veggie hot dogs), and four of the 21 vegetarian samples had "hygienic issues." (Substitution meanswhen ingredients are added to the productthat are not displayed on the label and hygienic issues happen when a "non-harmful contaminant is introduced to the hot dog."). standards and labeling requirements are restrictive, says Milkowski. Two-thirdsof the human DNA samples were vegetarian, according to Clear Food. Sources for Todays Article: There were also issues with the nutritional content listed on labels, with the analysis showing that protein content could be exaggerated up to 2.5 times. After the WHO went public with their findings on the effects of red meat and cancer, there's more troubling news from the meat industry. is that the scientists found no correlation between price and quality. .css-1pm21f6{display:block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1pm21f6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}The Absolute Best Crackers for Healthy Snacking, 18 Healthy Snacks That Actually Keep You Full, 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Chia Seeds, Tasty High-Protein Snacks to Keep You Fueled, The 15 Best Protein Powders for Smoothie Making, The Healthiest Fast Food Menu Items at Chains, 37 Calcium-Rich Foods That Aren't a Glass of Milk. 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Last year, scientists were able to extract the DNA of Denisovans - a little-known human population for. Theres a concept thatll haunt you if you think about it too much. And they're not wholly unwarranted," the report said. "Theres the old saying, 'You dont want to know how the sausage get made.' Unless you follow Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Human DNA is the last thing you could expect in your food. Some minor adjustments to your diet might be exactly what you need. So what does this mean to you? Skin is not allowed as it has no muscle tissue and thus does not qualify as a muscle trimming. So, it's true that human DNA was found in hot dog samples - but that doesn't mean that consumers are cannibals as some of the more hysterical posts have claimed after the study was reported widely on media such as ABC News and USA Today. U.S. Nearly every cell in a person's body has the same DNA. The study also found that two thirds of the samples containing human DNA were advertised as vegetarian and almost 15 percent of . 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. Farmer Reports: GMOs Causing Deformities, Birth Defects in Piglets, GMO Corn and Herbicide Found in 100% of Frito-Lay SunChips Samples, Dangerous Ingredients: 54% of Food Sold at Walmart is Banned by Whole Foods Market, EWG Report: Your Tap Water is Contaminated with Toxic Forever Chemicals, Is Non-Toxic Nail Polish Really Non-Toxic? Unless you also want to give up eating fruits and vegetables. The first human DNA gleaned from cave dirt came from Denisova Cave in Siberia in 2017. It did not. complete list of products Clear Food regards as high quality. 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That could very well leave skin cells or other DNA sources on equipment, Campbell says. For hot dogs without human DNA, the study found that Walmart, Target, and Safeway were the safest retailers to buy from. Did you buy every apple or orange or potato or avocado that you groped or squeezed to make sure it was fresh? "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. They also discovered human DNA in two percent of the samples. Check out the full report for more information about the brands in the US that did well on the test. "Oh yeah, sometimes a worker loses a finger or two in the goop vats. That human DNA the Fresh Lab scientists found on the hotdogs they tested? DNA was in two per cent of all samples, predominantly in veggie products. The good news: As bad as some brands were found to be, there are some . Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. Americans spent $2.5 billion on hot dogs, $2.74 billion on dinner sausages and more than half a billion on breakfast sausages last year, the report said. However, Janet Riley, president of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, said Clear Food "has said very little about its sample collection procedure. So NR seems to have a more efficient path to NAD+ generation. Basically, any food that you havent personally grown or harvested. "DNA testing produces no end of surprises but I seriously doubt that parts of human remains are incorporated into even the cheapest sausages. To be clear, the presence of human DNA does not mean there is human flesh in the hot dogs. In particular, two percent of the hot dog samples contained human DNA. For most of us growing up, it was one of those irresistible rumorslike how some rock songs have satanic messages if you play them backwardsthat arent true but were endlessly fun to repeat. Occasionally human workers are involved in the process, but theyre wearing so much protective gear youd think they were handling plutonium. Hot Dogs and Processed Meats as Bad as Cigarettes? While some of these substitutions, hygienic issues, other variances, or off-label ingredients may be permitted by the FDA, 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 says in their study.