Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ban Chinese Ingredients? Easier Said Than Done

They're in virtually all processed foods. Six or more in the the Twinkie alone.

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted May 18, 2007 8:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – In the wake of the pet-food poisoning scandal, some of the biggest U.S. food manufacturers—Tyson and Mission Foods—have banned Chinese ingredients. But since China is the world's biggest supplier of the flavorings, vitamins and preservatives that are used in virtually all processed foods, the bans may be impossible to uphold, the LA Times observes.

Take the Hostess Twinkie, for example. Of 39 ingredients, the Times notes, at least half a dozen—including vitamin B compounds, the preservative sorbic acid and red and yellow colorings—are most likely made in China. Additives are made by many small, largely unregulated companies, and the major food manufacturers here often don't know where they come from.

TWINKIE DECONSTRUCTED!
TWINKIE DECONSTRUCTED!   (NilbogAVENGER (YouTube))
Tyson bans Chinese ingredients.
Tyson bans Chinese ingredients.   (Associated Press)
Twinkies and Ding Dongs
Twinkies and Ding Dongs   (DanRules89 (YouTube))
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Processed Meats Raise Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

Hungary Launches 'Fat Tax'

Our Food Labels Need to Tell Us the Bad News

That Ballpark Hot Dog Could Kill You

Beware Salsa, Guacamole: Food Safety Experts


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne