HN Explorer

10 comments

[ 2.8 ms ] story [ 28.7 ms ] thread
Herodotus38
The above link is to r/DailyHarvest where multiple users recount their stories of having abdominal pain, elevated liver examinations, being hospitalized and in some cases having their gallbladders removed as the presumptive cause was cholecystitis in some patients. It is unclear what the cause is but some are speculating aflatoxins in the leek/lentil crumbles would fit.

The WSJ (paywalled of course) has an article today as well: https://www.wsj.com/articles/daily-harvest-recalls-lentil-an...

aurizon
This reminds me of an incident a few years ago where a Chinese company created a protein powder that contained melamine ( a high nitrogen ingredient) that he sold to people for cat/dog food and baby food. The melamine fooled the nitrogen/protein quality control on incoming ingredients so the maker felt the ingredient met all specs. Sadly, the inherent toxicity killed thousands of cat all over the world as well as a number of children. Child fatalities were lower as mothers soon detected WTF with their babies and a urine test saved most. Cats/dogs were not so lucky. I wonder if these crumbles are toxic? Some mention of aflatoxin a common rotted protein toxic substance, often found in rotted peanuts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_pet_food_recalls

I read somewhere that one or more Chinese executives were executed over the child deaths - but I was unable to find a link about this.

Herodotus38
Yeah I remember when the melamine scandal happened. I think there might be some interesting findings when the FDA investigates the supply chain of the ingredients.
aurizon
Aflatoxin, a metabolic product of Aspergillus Flavus a fungus, was mentioned. Affects many badly stored foods. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aflatoxin Very toxic liver poison often associated with the aspergillus rotting peanuts.Assays for Aflatoxin as well as melamine and anything else are underway, so a definitive answer should come soon.