Take a look in your fridge. What do you find there? Do you perhaps have liver paste? Sliced bacon? Or boiled ham? Until now, these products have contained an additive called carrageenan, also known as E407. That time will soon be over. But why are the Norwegian food producers cutting out this substance? – Wants to be proactive Nortura is the farmers’ own company. They have Prior and Gilde as their biggest brands. Now the company is soon on target to remove the additive from its food products. Carrageenan has already been removed from all products from Prior, as well as all pasties, sliced bacon and some hams from Gilde. Now only cold cuts, small-dish ham and small-dish bacon from Gilde remain. – This autumn it looks like carrageenan will be completely out of our production, says Guro Waage, Head of Nutrition at Nortura. Guro Waage, Head of Nutrition at Nortura. Photo: Nortura The additive is extracted from red algae and is used as a binding agent in many food products. It is perfectly legal to use, but quite controversial. Several animal studies have pointed out that it has led to changes in the intestinal flora in mice, among others. – Does that mean that you admit that you have used an additive that can be harmful to your health? – Only in recent years have there been studies that show a potential negative effect on intestinal health. That’s why we now want to take precautions, and remove it completely from our products, says Waage. In order for consumers not to notice any difference, the company has found an alternative to the substance. It’s called Tapioca starch, and is not an e-substance. More people cut it out Carrageenan is added to everything from ice cream, chocolate milk, puddings and jellies, to processed meat products. Nortura is not alone in doing a job to remove the additive. Tine aims to remove the substance from all its products by the end of 2023. According to Dagsavisen, the dairies have already removed it from the chocolate milk. According to Aftenposten, Diplom-Is is also in the process of testing new additives in ice cream. – No one will doubt the substance now that the Gastrointestinal Association has long fought to have the substance removed, which they believe is a cause for concern. Secretary General Mads Johansson applauds food producers who cut the substance. – We see that as very positive, that you don’t wait for a ban before taking action. There is a big risk, we think, if the substances are dangerous, he says. Secretary General of the Gastrointestinal Association, Mads Johansson. Photo: LMF That several Norwegian food producers are now looking at the possibilities of cutting out the controversial additive, Johansson believes, is a sign of consumer power. – No one wants to stand last in line and hold back on this substance now. Because there is a desire among consumers, and especially our target group, for this substance to be withdrawn. Johansson encourages all food producers to look for opportunities to remove the substance. – The consequences are far too great, if it turns out that this substance is dangerous for humans. Something very much indicates that it can be, he emphasizes.
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– We want to lead the way – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
