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They say the devil is in the details. In a fast-paced
world, more and more people are relying on pre-packed and preserved
food in cans, jars and bottles. Most of us go through racks and
racks of available products on the grocery stands, we enjoy the
variety, and we take our pick. But most of our choices are based on
what the celebrity endorser says or its beautiful packaging labels.
On these labels, there is
information that is supposed to educate the consumers as to what is
inside. Unfortunately, most of these are just advertising bits. Do
we even bother to read what’s on them? Only few of us even bother
to know that this printed information is crucial and can truly
affect our health.
Looking closely, you will see
that there is important information you shouldn’t miss out. And
that is nutrition information and ingredients. Take for example an
ingredient that is mostly fond in powdered products; the magic
wonder powder MSG for example. Don’t be fooled, this mystery
ingredient has different names. MonoSodium Glutamate, sodium
glutamate, flavor enhancer, flavor enhancer 621 for EU, Accent, or
sodium salt of glutamic acid. Another really interesting example is
Glutamate. It can be added in more than one form and chemically
seen, it is not yet completely covered by the FDA.
There is still no clear demand
for the industry to simplify the usage of any by-products. If the
proposal were adopted, hydrolyzed soy protein would have to be
declared on food labels as “hydrolyzed soy protein [contains
glutamate].” For a regular consumer, it can get pretty
complicated—“No MSG” or “No Added MSG.”
And we can’t really blame the
consumers because most of these names are only recognizable and even
familiar to those in the food manufacturing business.
Reality is that we are often
forced into confusion without our knowledge even though food
regulations and laws demand transparency and clarity on those paper
stickers. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires that if
MSG is added to food, it must be clearly declared and listed as
“monosodium glutamate”. This fact applies to the isolated usage
of MSG or when MSG is being used as part of a mixture or seasoning.
But here is this gray area; some
companies, whether knowingly or not, simply use the words
“flavorings” or “spices” to represent MSG. This is
definitely against the food regulations and companies involved
should be penalized. This would force those shady manufacturers to
be more transparent in naming their labels.
But if no one complains, who will
take action? It is imperative for us consumers to be more vigilant
in watching out what is available in the market and hat we put
inside our kitchen shelves, for we all know that it can greatly
affect lives.
As they say, customer is king.
Let’s stop this obvious language barrier and actually start
reading what’s on those labels. And if we are ever lost in
translation, let’s demand a product that has information that is
readable to any common man.
Have you ever asked the question
why that is? Let’s say that those font sizes are readable enough
to see the “real ingredients” as declared by the manufacturers.
You still face two more hurdles.
One, in which quantities are
those ingredients listed. The rule of thumb is that the ingredient
listed first can be found in the largest quantity in the product.
Always consider 100-percent content. If salt is listed first, it
means one thing: the largest amount in volume of this product is
salt. And if sugar and dehydrated chicken meat powder follows, then
of course, these are the 2nd and 3rd highest volume ingredients in
the item.
Then there are the codes. Most
people wouldn’t know what they mean. The European Union for
example is very particular when it comes down to declaring
ingredients. Not just in food products. E100–E199 gives you
specific information on coloring, E200–E299 specifies
preservatives, E300–E399 talks about antioxidants, acidity
regulators, E400–E499 would indicate the thickeners, stabilizers,
emulsifiers being used. E500–E599 wishes to update you on acidity
regulators, anti-caking agents, our flavor enhancers can be found
under E600–E699. Last is the group of E900–E999 for
miscellaneous and E1000–E1999 for additional chemicals.
I don’t blame you for being
confused; I still do from time to time. Best advice: Read what’s
on the label. Do you want to have that ingredient in your food?
Go to fresh markets and buy only
fresh ingredients. Make your own chicken stock for example instead
of the usual powder. Buy your own chicken and celery to cook your
own chicken stock. It is more fun and you are sure what is inside.
Remember this: ALWAYS KNOW
WHAT YOU EAT.
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