Ferrero, the Nutella producer, has gone to explain and defend its use of palm oil after the company was accused of using potentially carcinogen ingredients.
Nutella is one of the chocolaty treats enjoyed by children and adults alike. The spread is seen as something of a guilty pleasure. Last week, it was also accused of being a potentially dangerous one.
The European Food Safety Commission released a ruling in relation to palm oil. This is one of the ingredients used in making the chocolate spread.
According to the health commissioner, this ingredient is a “potential health concern”. More exactly, its glycerol-based process contaminants. And various media sources took up the report. But Ferrero went to explain its decision.
Ferrero SpA is an Italian manufacturer. It produces confectionery products and also branded chocolate. It is considered to be one of the biggest such producers in the world.
Nutella is one of its most famous products. It is a sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread. Legend has it that hazelnuts were added so as to save money. Chocolate was once quite expensive.
Nutella’s main ingredients are the following. Cocoa solids, hazelnuts, and sugar. Milk powder and palm oil are also added. And this last one raised quite a stir. As such, the Nutella producer went to point out the following.
- Palm oil is widely used as it is easy to spread.
- It is also held in high regards among vegetable fats.
- The oil is derived from palm plants kernels and fruits.
- It has a widespread use.
- It can be consumed in a number of convenience and baked goods. And also in candy.
- It usually helps cut the need for margarine additives.
The Nutella producer offers quite some information on its official website. It goes to draw attention to how it is used. Palm oil is said to ensure the spread’s creamy texture.
It also reportedly guarantees its “special spreadability”. And it especially has a role in the hydrogenation process. More exactly, it helps avoid it. Such a process can potentially lead to unhealthy trans fats.
Last year, the Nutella producer also released an ad campaign. It was a response to the European Food Safety Authority or EFSA’s claim.
The Ferrero campaign drew attention to a fact. A detail that was also pointed out by the EFSA statement. Palm oil in itself is not to blame. Its natural properties are quite beneficial.
Instead, EFSA tested palm oil contaminants. And based its study on their existence. During its October ad campaign, Ferrero stressed this fact.
The producer declared that its products contain safe and sustainable palm oil. This is heated at an appropriate temperature. Overheating can lead to the appearance of contaminants.
Beth M. Kotran released some details. She is the Ferrero U.S.A. Inc., general counsel. According to her, Ferrero only wants to reinsure its customers. Both Nutella and other company products are safe to eat.
And the U.S. authorities do not have a ban on palm oil. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman went to confirm this fact.
The FDA authorizes its use as a cocoa butter substitute. But only when its processed according to certain guidelines.
Kotran went to explain the following. Ferrero’s palm oil is carefully harvested. And it is squeezed in the fastest time possible. Its process and manufacturing are also in accordance with parameters. The lowest possible temperatures are used. As such, the products are in line with EFSA and FDA parameters.
Various other U.S. foods contain palm oil. Kit Kat candy bars, Ben & Jerry ice creams, Pop Tarts, and Nutri-Grain can be included on the list.
Image Source: Wikimedia
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