Other unsafe/not recommended items?

I already have the Ball book, and another book which gives me processing times for various items, so 'Use the settings for whatever takes the longest' will work great, but what about minor items that might not be in these listings.

Continuing to use my pasta sauce as an example, I'd probably be using things like dried basil, dried oregeno, crushed red pepper, minced garlic, wine, salt, black pepper.

While I know I can come here and get a relatively speedy reply about a specific recipe, there might come a time when I couldn't get online, or just didn't have the time to wait (sometimes you just don't know what's going to 'jump out at you at the Farmer's Market). I would like to know how to 'judge' the safety/usefullness of the ingredients for myself.

Thanks,

Paul