An increased AST level is usually a sign of liver disease. Liver disease is even more likely when the levels of substances checked by other liver blood tests have also increased. An increased AST level may be due to any of the following:
In order to keep itself fresh, the lettuce gives off carbon dioxide, causing a slight odour. This carbon dioxide is not harmful and the odour should disappear quickly once the salad package is opened.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are widely used by the food industry as preservatives, mainly to prevent oils in foods from oxidizing and becoming rancid. Oxidation affects the flavor, color and odor of foods and reduces some nutrients. BHA and BHT may have some antimicrobial properties, too.