The Cornucopia report is fraught with bias against industry and regulatory
authorities
and fails to recognize credible science, or to even distinguish
between carrageenan and
an entirely different chemical compound.
All red seaweed has varying molecular weights. In Cornucopia's specific
report, it claims
that a 10-year-old review of testing to determine molecular
weights of food-grade
carrageenan identified the chemical poligeenan as present
in as much as 25 percent of the samples.
Cornucopia has confused poligeenan with carrageenan. Poligeenan is created at
very
high temperatures and extreme acidic conditions and is not used or present
in food.
The testing referred to by Cornucopia was done to identify low
molecular weight
carrageenan as a percentage of food-grade carrageenan.
There was one abnormal test that showed levels as high as 25 percent.
However,
all the others showed levels between 0 percent and 4 percent. None of
the low
molecular material, including material from the one abnormal test, was
poligeenan.
Cornucopia's report goes on to allege global collusion or incompetence
between
business, regulatory authorities and independent review panels. The
report was
issued currently with a lawsuit Cornucopia has filed against the USDA
over its
management of the National Organics Program.
The report lauds research, particularly from one laboratory, that has been
routinely discredited by other science and found unconvincing by regulatory
authorities.
The timing of Cornucopia's latest report does not allow much time for careful
review prior to the NOSB vote. A review of the Cornucopia report is available
at
http://www.foodsciencematters.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Counter-To-Flawed-Science.pdf
Carrageenan is a derivative of the same red seaweed that has been used as a
thickener
or stabilizer in foods for centuries. The overwhelming scientific
evidence confirming
the safety of carrageenan has existed for decades, including
a 2015 review by the
Joint FAO / WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives that
found carrageenan
to be of 'no concern' even in infant formula.
Research and references are available within the review of the Cornucopia
report
http://www.foodsciencematters.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Counter-To-Flawed-Science.pdf
We also suggest you visit the
timeline outlining an overview of the scientific studies on
carrageenan.
About Food Science MattersThe Food Science Matters initiative is
supported by FMC Corporation. FMC's goal is to
play our part in bringing safe,
healthy and enjoyable foods to future consumers and cultures
throughout the
world. We are proud of the science
