gnawing questions

Mass-produced crockpots and other ceramic food containers are probably safe, but handmade earthenware might merit a home test.

Manufacturers are not required to disclose whether products contain BPA, which makes it hard to know which kitchen plastics include the additive — or other functionally identical compounds.

The mystery ingredient pops up in a lot of household favorites, but its nutrition level depends on how it's used.

The orange vegetable helps us see — but that's different from improving our vision. That said, carrots are part of a diet designed for eye health.

No, say food safety experts. Molds can easily penetrate deep into a soft food, like bread. But you can salvage other foods with tougher surfaces, like cabbages, carrots and hard cheeses.