Oxalic acid and oxalates are widely distributed in plant foods, highest levels being found in spinach (0.3-1.2%), rhubarb (0.2-1.3%), tea (0.3-2.0%) and cocoa (0.5-0.9%). Although there is no question that the ingestion of sufficient oxalic acid as crystals or in solution can be fatal, there is considerable debate as to whether serious food poisoning from oxalate is usually due to food.
The eating of rhubarb leaves has been a well-known cause of illness for centuries. Rhubarb leaves contain high amounts of oxalate. However, the levels of oxalate in rhubarb stalks are sufficiently high that consumption of normal levels of rhubarb stalks will result in at least as much oxalate intake as from small to moderate amounts of leaves. There is some debate as whether it is the oxalate in rhubarb leaves that is responsible for toxicity.
Last modified: Saturday, 18 February 2012, 9:10 AM
