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Maleic Hydrazide

Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Maleic Hydrazide is a pesticide residue — Plant growth regulator on tobacco, potatoes, onions to prevent sprouting

What it does

Plant growth regulator on tobacco, potatoes, onions to prevent sprouting

Where you'll see it

Potato chips, tobacco, onions

What the research says

Highly toxic to humans; central nervous system disturbances and liver damage in experimental animals. Led to liver and other tumors in some mice. Produced genetic damage.

Regulatory status

  • Notes: FDA potato chip tolerance 160 ppm

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): highly toxic to humans, it has produced central nervous system disturbances and liver damage in experimental animals