
Methoprene, an insecticide sprayed onto tobacco leaves to prevent beetle pupae from maturing. Reynolds said the Food and Drug Administration allows methoprene to be used on dried fruits.

Ammonia, which can be toxic but is allowed in food in certain safe forms.

Ethyl furoate, which National Public Radio last week reported causes liver damage in laboratory animals. Although the FDA hasn't approved it as a food additive, spokesman Jim O'Hara said the food industry does consider it safe as a natural food ingredient. Reynolds contends that ethyl furoate is found naturally in coffee, kiwi and peanuts.