Misinterpreted Science Used Against Carrageenan
Contrary to what you may hear from certain “sources” on the web, the USDA’s decision on carrageenan came after thoroughly considering all of the available science.
Read MoreMonthly Archives: May 2013
Public Health Defenders Side with Science and Support Carrageenan
The United States supports one of the safest food supplies in the World. I would state “the safestâ€, but it’s hard to prove. What is easy to prove is the rigor of regulatory review in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that ensures foods and food ingredients are safe as consumed, are not adulterated, and are correctly labeled.
Read MoreUSDA is Right on Carrageenan
Kudos to Secretary Vilsack and USDA for basing their regulatory decisions on sound science. Another recent example is the Proposed Rule published on May 3rd that would re-list carrageenan as appropriate for use in organic food products.
Read MoreWarwick Beacon “URI Professor Downplays Concerns over Food Additive”
Kathleen J. Melanson, associate professor of nutrition science at the University of Rhode Island, explained that concerns about carrageenan have been common since the 1960s and 1970s, but it is simply due to a lot of confusion.
Read MoreUSDA Lets the Science Speak to Dictate Regulatory Direction
It is easy for public health officials to err on the side of caution. Look no further than the European Union to find examples of application for the “Precautionary Principleâ€. With all due respect to our European friends and colleagues, the Precautionary Principle translates into poor policy – regulation driven by consumer perception and fears with science hidden in the closet.
Read MoreLet’s Be Clear On Carrageenan
Take a deep dive into the scientific papers and articles on carrageenan and you’ll find the key issues that add clarity to the discussion – but it takes a deeper dive and an open mind to get to the heart of the issues.
Read MoreSeaweed Farming: Bringing Sustainability to Coastal Environments and Communities
Coastal communities in developing countries face numerous challenges. Rising populations continue to put more pressure on coastal ecosystems, leading to decreased fish stocks, habitat destruction and pollution. Lack of access to quality education makes it difficult for the children of these communities to pursue more lucrative, non-traditional jobs in growing sectors of the economy.
Read MoreCall to Action on Carrageenan
Let your voice be heard and post comments to the Federal Register supporting the USDA’s proposed rule on carrageenan. Learn how you can contribute.
Read MoreSun Star: Carrageenan safe: seaweed industry officers
Sun Star (Philippines) May 5, 2013 By Katlene O. Cacho The Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (Siap) rejected an American scientist’s study that carrageenan is a threat to human health. Before it affects consumer confidence, Siap has raised the issue to the Export Development Council (EDC) to make it a priority concern. It said
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