The FDA allows a certain amount of “filth” in commercially processed food, acknowledging that some contamination is unavoidable. But does that include human meat? The short answer is no. While the FDA has defect action levels for things like insect fragments, rodent hairs, and mold, there is absolutely zero tolerance for human meat in food. The presence of human tissue would be a major violation of food safety regulations and would trigger immediate and severe consequences.
This often-misunderstood topic arises from the FDA’s guidelines on “Food Defect Action Levels,” which outline acceptable levels of natural or unavoidable defects in food that pose no health hazards. These defects include things like insect parts in spices, mold in tomato paste, or even rodent hairs in peanut butter. The FDA sets these levels because it’s impossible to eliminate all contaminants during food processing.
The FDA’s “Food Defect Action Levels” handbook clarifies that “filth” refers to “objectionable matter contributed by insects, rodents, and birds; decomposed material; and miscellaneous matter such as sand, soil, glass, rust, or other foreign substances.”
Insect parts, rodent hair, and mold are examples of what the FDA considers "food defects."
The FDA emphasizes that these action levels are not an invitation for manufacturers to allow contamination. They exist to recognize the realities of food production and to prioritize public health risks. When these levels are exceeded, the FDA can and will take regulatory action. Moreover, the presence of any disease-causing microbes would lead to immediate intervention.
It’s important to distinguish between naturally occurring defects and intentional adulteration. The FDA’s guidelines address the former, not the latter. Intentionally adding any harmful substance to food, including human meat, is a crime and is treated with the utmost seriousness.
While the thought of any contaminants in food is unpleasant, the FDA’s regulations are designed to protect public health by focusing on real risks. The agency prioritizes addressing harmful contaminants and disease-causing organisms over aesthetically unappealing but harmless defects. The deliberate inclusion of human meat in the food supply is illegal and is not tolerated under any circumstances. The FDA’s role is to ensure food safety, and the agency has strict protocols in place to prevent such egregious violations.
