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A doctor says common foods are “silently poisoning” our bodies. Dr Saurabh Sethi has issued a warning over certain common foods and said most people are completely unaware of the toxins.

Dr Sethi, from California, US, said: “You get the most pesticide exposure from strawberries. Certain pesticide residues may interfere with hormone signalling and add to the body’s cumulative chemical exposure over time.

“The most microplastic exposure is from bottled water. Microplastics are tiny particles that may accumulate in the body and are being studied for their potential effects on gut barrier health and inflammation.

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“And heavy metal from canned tuna means mercury can build up in the body. With frequent intake, it may affect the brain and nerve function, especially when exposure becomes excessive.”

He also lists acrylamide – a chemical compound that is potentially carcinogenic – from deep fried potatoes, including crisps. This forms when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures.

He added: “Added chemical preservatives [come] from ultra-processed meats. These additives can alter the gut microbiome and have been linked to higher levels of systemic inflammation when eaten regularly.

“And advanced glycation end products come from charred meats. These compounds form during charring and can promote oxidative stress. This is associated with faster biological ageing.

“You get the most sodium nitrate exposure from hot dogs and deli meats. In the body, nitrates convert into reactive compounds that may affect vascular and metabolic health when intake is frequent.

“Artificial dyes are found in colorful cereals and candies. And in children, synthetic food colours have been linked to hyperactivity-type symptoms; so reducing intake may help sensitive individuals.

“This isn’t about fear – it’s about awareness. Once you know the source, you can make smarter food choices that protect your gut, liver, hormones and long-term health.”

Many additives, growth hormones, and pesticides permitted in the US are banned or strictly limited in the UK.

Strawberries in the UK are frequently treated with a high volume of fungicides and insecticides, with 95% of samples testing positive for pesticide residues, including "forever chemicals" (PFAS), according to the Pesticides Action Network. Commonly identified pesticides include Pyrimethanil, Boscalid, Fluopyram, and Bifenazate. The most used types are fungicides (53% of area treated) and insecticides/acaricides.

UK advice, guided by the NHS and FSA, warns that tuna contains mercury, necessitating consumption limits to avoid neurological risks. Pregnant women, those trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should limit intake to a maximum of four medium cans (140g drained) or two tuna steaks per week.

In the UK, breakfast cereals largely use natural colourings due to voluntary bans on artificial dyes by many manufacturers.