Subject: Re: suet
Date: Dec 27 10:08:27 1996
From: Herb Curl - h.curl at hazmat.noaa.gov


Susan Treu wrote:

I seem to remember somewhere during my limited biological studies that
"undesireable" pesticides, hormones, etc. accumulate in the fatty tissue
of critters. Thus my question, is there any research discussing the
possible toxicity of beef fat? Used both in soap and suet making...
Any citations would be greatly appreciated.

Susan, I don't think you need to worry. Although chlorinated pesticides
are everywhere, because they continue to be used both here and throughout
the world, they accumulate up the food web. Thus, top carnivores have the
most pesticides in their fatty tissue. Beef cattle and sheep, near the
bottom of the food web, have the lowest concentration of pesticides.
Moreover, the suet you feed the birds constitutes a relatively small part
of their diet even in winter.

Herb Curl






h.curl at hazmat.noaa.gov "You may be only young once but you can be
Hazmat/NOAA, 7600 Sand Pt. Wy., NE immature the rest of your life."
Seattle, WA 98115-0070
(206) 526-6272