[vickie h]

Thanks, Rich for the post.
I steer clear peanut butter because of the molds, fungus and aflatoxins it contains. It is considered one of the most toxic foods to consume because of this.
Peanuts are actually legumes (not nuts) which are grown underground as part of a root system. It is primarily due to the peanuts' direct contact with the soil that they become harmful, and even dangerous to your health. Actual nuts, like walnuts and almonds have strong, hard shells that protect them. The legume, peanut, has ssoft, porous skin. When the environment surrounding the peanuts become warm, humid and wet--as it does in most regions of the U.S. where they are commonly grown, a fungal growth occurs. The fungus itself is not dangerous, but the posons it releases, known as Aflatoxins, are.
This cancer-causing agent attacks the liver and is one of the most deadly food-bourne toxins in existence.
Peanut farmers have high incidences of cancer.
Frequent consumption of even low levels of Aflatoxin is associated with cancer. Even organic peanut butter grown in these regions contains it. If one must eat peanut butter, try to find a source in Mexico or Arizona (where the weather is dry). Almond butter is a great substitution.
Love, Vickie