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Paraquat

Level 5 — High concernIn Winter's Dictionary

Paraquat is a pesticide residue — Defoliant and herbicide used in animal feed (goats, cattle, sheep, lambs)

What it does

Defoliant and herbicide used in animal feed (goats, cattle, sheep, lambs)

Where you'll see it

dried hops, mint hay, sunflower seed hulls; agricultural residues

What the research says

Poison by ingestion and skin contact. Causes ulceration of digestive tract, vomiting, renal damage, jaundice, edema, hemorrhage, lung damage, death from suffocation. EPA Genetic Toxicology Program.

Regulatory status

  • Notes: FDA limits 0.2 ppm dried hops, 3 ppm in mint hay, sunflower seed hulls

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Causes ulceration of the digestive tract... renal damage, jaundice, edema, hemorrhage, lung damage, and death from suffocation