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The FDA allows up to 5 milligrams of rodent feces per pound in certain foods, including canned products. This means that some canned foods can legally contain small amounts of rat droppings without being considered unsafe.

Insect Limits in Fresh Vegetables
General Guidelines

Insect Parts: The FDA permits a certain number of insect parts per specified weight of vegetables. For example, up to 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams of vegetables may be acceptable, depending on the type of vegetable.

Whole Insects: The presence of a few whole insects may also be tolerated, but this varies by product and is generally limited to a very small number.

Specific Examples

Leafy Greens: For leafy vegetables, the limits can be stricter due to the difficulty in washing them thoroughly.
Root Vegetables: These may have slightly higher tolerances due to their growing conditions.

These limits are in place because it's recognized that complete elimination of all insects is not feasible in agricultural production.

Limits on Maggot Eggs in Meat
General Guidelines

Maggot Eggs: The FDA allows for a certain number of maggot eggs (specifically, fly eggs) in meat products. The acceptable limit is typically up to 60 or more eggs per 100 grams of meat.
Maggots: The presence of maggots is also regulated, with limits set on the number of whole maggots allowed in meat products.

Context and Safety

These limits are established because complete removal of all insect eggs and larvae is not practical in food production.

Bacterial Levels in Foods
Meat and Poultry

Pathogenic Bacteria: 0 CFU (detectable levels are unsafe)
Total Bacterial Count: < 1,000,000 CFU/g (Colony-Forming Units)

Dairy Products

Pathogenic Bacteria: 0 CFU (detectable levels are unsafe)
Total Bacterial Count: < 20,000 CFU/mL (milk), < 100,000 CFU/g (cheese)

Fruits and Vegetables

Pathogenic Bacteria: 0 CFU (ideally)
Total Bacterial Count: < 100,000 CFU/g (washed and processed)