There are many plants that are poisonous and not safe to eat. Plants are miraculous in their ability to survive. Yes, potato plants are poisonous. Yes, tomato plants are poisonous. No the fruits of both aren’t going to kill you. As for the seeds of apples, yes don’t eat those. The apple is good for you, but the seeds are not. Fortunately, the seeds of apples are bitter and disgusting so it’s almost impossible to mistake them for food. The death rate from heart disease, which has been linked to heavy red meat consumption, is the leading cause of death in this country. The death rate from apple poisoning? That’s a good one.

This, once again, is a bit of exaggeration. They’re not soaking patties in vats of ammonia overnight and serving them with to kids with Windex-flavored gravy.

I suppose you only eat the purist plants with absolutely no chemicals or pesticides? Most of the chemicals we use are derived from plants and the plants either make them or get them from the ground. Apple seeds, cherry pits and the pits of peaches and apricots all contain compounds than turn into Hydrogen Cyanide when metabolized. Potato plants contain poisonous Glycoalkaloids. I could go on forever, but there’s no point. About as many people die from eating potatoes and apples as those who die from eating ammonia-laiden beef (that is to say, very few).