Raw beetroot… the right time!
In recent years, the question of whether or not this vegetable is potentially toxic when eaten raw has occasionally resurfaced. Is it dangerous for your health?
Maison Jacynthe decided to contact the MAPAQ (Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) to check whether there was a problem and/or guidelines to follow.
In complete transparency and out of concern for everyone's health, we are sharing with you the response that was provided to us very recently by a MAPAQ inspector:
'' For several years, MAPAQ has received reports from consumers who have experienced symptoms after eating beets. After investigation, only red beets that had undergone a storage period were involved, and none came from a home garden. All reports of illnesses are related to the consumption of red beets; no cases have been reported with yellow or white beets.
No laboratory analysis has identified any chemical, microbiological, or toxic agent. Other regulatory agencies in Europe and Finland have previously reported similar cases associated with the consumption of this raw food. No toxins or foodborne illness agents have been identified.
Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, which occurs 15 to 45 minutes after ingesting raw grated beets. It is uncomfortable but does not last very long.
Cooking remains the best method to eliminate the risk of poisoning. In addition, beets should always be washed under a stream of potable water. This step is necessary to remove residue, soil, and contaminants that may be on the surface.
We hope that this information will reassure you because this wonderful vegetable with so many benefits truly deserves its place on our table!
For your information: Here is an explanatory video that aims to be reassuring regarding the cause of beet toxicity in Europe.
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