Low-carb corn is it on the shelf near you?
It started as a way to help people starving in third world countries. But we all know thats not where its going to stop.
"If the prototype corn can be grown commercially it could find a market among the crowd following low-carbohydrate diets, for whom standard sweetcorn is not allowed."
The article is from 2004, I can only imagine how much progress has been made on it since.
I can see it being advertised now.. GMO corn, better than the real thing.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Allergies and Immunizations - Is it worth the risk?
(updated 8/2011)
Many immunization drugs are made with allergens. Whether it be corn, soy, beef, egg, milk, lactose, MSG, or yeast, the risks of getting the shots may or may not be worth it.First, let me address why to immunize..
Immunizations started as a way to fight diseases before they could become epidemics. Most immunizations are for diseases known to kill, or severely maim humans. Many are for diseases which are highly communicable. Thus all states require immunizations in order for a child to attend school. You can get exemptions, but I'll address that hassle later.
It is important to consider the risks of not immunizing as well the risks of immunization. There is a good informative article on immunizations at Quackwatch.org, which talks about the importance of immunizing which the writers at Quackwatch will probably think the rest of my article here to be "quackery"..
For recommended list of vaccinations/immunizations go to the CDC:
Child Immunization Scheduler
Child/Adolescent Immunizations
Adult Schedule
Also at the CDC, make sure to check out the VIS or vaccine information statements which answer many questions about what the disease is that the vaccine will try to prevent, when to get it, what to expect, etc.
Now onto the really scary stuff.
Many vaccines/immunizations use fillers, carriers, etc to get the actual vaccine/immunization into the body in a viable way. Which means, you may have to decide whether to take the chance of getting a disease which might kill you or getting the vaccine which might kill you.
That is why I'm writing this.. Its better to be educated ahead of time, and know your risks, so you're prepared.
Getting ahold of the ingredients of an injection ahead of time, may be impossible as most health care providers who perform these injections are not well versed in allergies and probably won't have what you need to know. So the more you know before you go in, the better off you'll be. If you have a reliable cooperative doctor, you may be able to get this information (vaccine insert) ahead of time to check with the manufacturer about possible allergens.
Check this PDF (you'll need Adobe Reader - a free software) for a list of ingredients in immunizations, to see if your child may be at risk for a severe allergic reaction. Vaccine Excipient & Media Summary see also this PDF.
You'll also want to check the CDC's contraindications chart.
In case of a severe reaction, contact the your doctor and CDC. A Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System form needs to be filed. You can contact the CDC about this at 1-800-822-7967.
There is also a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program ( 1-800-338-2382 ) which is to help provide assistance for those having adverse reactions. More information about filing a claim can be found at their site: http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/
If you read through the Vaccine Excipient & Media Summary (also PDF) or the CDC's contraindications chart and you want to get out of having a vaccine, you're going to want to get the ball rolling and be prepared ahead of time.
You will want to call your local or state health department's immunization program. They should be able to provide you with forms you'll need to have filled out. There are usually two reasons for exemptions on this: Religious reasons, Health Reasons. Health reasons usually require a doctors signature or statement.
Your child's school will also need to be notified and proper forms filled out.
More Information links about Vaccines and Immunizations:
Mercury Vaccines? (also contains manufacturer names for possible contact)
Australian Site: Ingredients & Purpose in Immunizations. Vaccine Components & Constituents
Anti-vaccine information with a Christian oriented religious vaccine waiver
More information about getting a waiver to avoid a vaccination:
How to legally avoid unwanted immunizations
More Reading:
Immunizations and Gut Disorders - possible connections
Monday, August 28, 2006
Don't settle for the quick, easy answers
All too many times, I've called a company to ask whether there are any corn- or soy-derived ingredients in a product, only to get a quick and easy, "No, our product does not contain any corn," answer.
However, I've discovered that I can't necessarily accept that answer. Usually when I explain that ingredients such as vitamins, yeast, and alcohol in flavorings are often corn-derived or manufactured using corn, they will change their tune. I frequently find myself educating food company representatives about the various ingredients in their products.
Occasionally a company will research it for me and in 9 cases out of 10 will discover that their "corn-free" product actually does contain corn. More frequently they just tell me that they have no way to find out the ingredients of their ingredients, so they can't know for sure whether their product contains a specific allergen or not.
Cascadian Farms Purely O's cereal is a great example of why it's so hard for consumers to get accurate information about which products contain corn. Several corn-allergic people have been told by the company that the product is corn-free. It's on the "safe list" at the Delphi Forums Avoiding Corn community. One would think it was pretty well confirmed corn-free.
The first time I called Cascadian Farms (a branch of General Mills), the customer service representative I spoke to said that Purely O's did not contain any corn or corn derivatives whatsoever, and was also free of soy.
But when my baby refused to eat the Purely O's cereal after trying it a few times (even though she loved it the first time she ate it), I began to wonder. She often refuses initially well-liked foods when they make her feel badly, and usually I later find out that they contain corn or soy.
By this time I was more educated. I now knew more of what to look for on a label that might indicate undeclared corn or soy ingredients. Many of the additives on the Purely O's ingredient list, particularly some of the added vitamins, were items frequently derived from or manufactured using corn or soy derivatives.
So I called the company again. But this time I didn't just ask if the cereal had corn or soy in it. I asked specifically if any of the vitamins were derived from corn or soy, pointing out a few of the most common culprits such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E in particular.
I called several times and e-mailed them once, and still it took over a month before they had an answer. They apparently had to contact each of the vitamin manufacturers individually to try to get the information. This which would indicate to me that this had not been done previously when I and others inquired about corn-derived ingredients in the product.
This morning I got a telephone call from a representative at the company. She said they still hadn't been able to get information on the sources of all the vitamins yet. But she had been able to find out for sure that the Cascade Farms Purely O's cereal DOES contain corn derivatives. She said that she does not think it contains any soy derivatives, but it definitely does contain corn derivatives.
I've reached the point now that most of the time if there is any ingredient that can be corn- or soy-derived in a product, I just assume that it is. I've been told too many times that a product didn't contain corn or soy, only to find out upon further prodding or upon dealing with an allergic reaction that the product actually did contain an allergen it was supposedly free of.
In order to protect ourselves, we do have to ask very specific questions and push for deeper answers. People dealing with severe allergies or sensitivities simply cannot trust any manufactured foods without very careful research. Unfortunately, we can't necessarily take the manufacturer's word for it either.
Just because the manufacturer says something doesn't contain corn doesn't necessarily mean that's true.
However, I've discovered that I can't necessarily accept that answer. Usually when I explain that ingredients such as vitamins, yeast, and alcohol in flavorings are often corn-derived or manufactured using corn, they will change their tune. I frequently find myself educating food company representatives about the various ingredients in their products.
Occasionally a company will research it for me and in 9 cases out of 10 will discover that their "corn-free" product actually does contain corn. More frequently they just tell me that they have no way to find out the ingredients of their ingredients, so they can't know for sure whether their product contains a specific allergen or not.
Cascadian Farms Purely O's cereal is a great example of why it's so hard for consumers to get accurate information about which products contain corn. Several corn-allergic people have been told by the company that the product is corn-free. It's on the "safe list" at the Delphi Forums Avoiding Corn community. One would think it was pretty well confirmed corn-free.
The first time I called Cascadian Farms (a branch of General Mills), the customer service representative I spoke to said that Purely O's did not contain any corn or corn derivatives whatsoever, and was also free of soy.
But when my baby refused to eat the Purely O's cereal after trying it a few times (even though she loved it the first time she ate it), I began to wonder. She often refuses initially well-liked foods when they make her feel badly, and usually I later find out that they contain corn or soy.
By this time I was more educated. I now knew more of what to look for on a label that might indicate undeclared corn or soy ingredients. Many of the additives on the Purely O's ingredient list, particularly some of the added vitamins, were items frequently derived from or manufactured using corn or soy derivatives.
So I called the company again. But this time I didn't just ask if the cereal had corn or soy in it. I asked specifically if any of the vitamins were derived from corn or soy, pointing out a few of the most common culprits such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E in particular.
I called several times and e-mailed them once, and still it took over a month before they had an answer. They apparently had to contact each of the vitamin manufacturers individually to try to get the information. This which would indicate to me that this had not been done previously when I and others inquired about corn-derived ingredients in the product.
This morning I got a telephone call from a representative at the company. She said they still hadn't been able to get information on the sources of all the vitamins yet. But she had been able to find out for sure that the Cascade Farms Purely O's cereal DOES contain corn derivatives. She said that she does not think it contains any soy derivatives, but it definitely does contain corn derivatives.
I've reached the point now that most of the time if there is any ingredient that can be corn- or soy-derived in a product, I just assume that it is. I've been told too many times that a product didn't contain corn or soy, only to find out upon further prodding or upon dealing with an allergic reaction that the product actually did contain an allergen it was supposedly free of.
In order to protect ourselves, we do have to ask very specific questions and push for deeper answers. People dealing with severe allergies or sensitivities simply cannot trust any manufactured foods without very careful research. Unfortunately, we can't necessarily take the manufacturer's word for it either.
Just because the manufacturer says something doesn't contain corn doesn't necessarily mean that's true.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Where's the Corn allergy in Coffee?
Do you wake up in the morning and grab a steaming cup of coffee before you head to work? Get a coffee fix for your morning break?
Seems normal right? Its brewed roasted beans, so what could be wrong with that?
Everyday, we avid corn avoiders find our foods constantly being contaminated with corn. And coffee is one of them.
For years now, many of us have known the dangers of places like Starbucks with their wicked corn-lined disposable coffee cups, the corn-based "natural" flavors they add, or other contaminates. But now before us looms a scarier villain.
Maltodextrin.
You may think.. “Well of course I know maltodextrin comes from corn, but what does this have to do with my morning coffee?”
They’re putting maltodextrin in your coffee.
In our time of convenience foods, conveyor belts, prepackaging, grab-n-go lifestyle.. Companies are finding new and cheaper ways to process food into these easy time saving conveniences.
According to a Canadian corn farmers site in Ontario, corn IS in your coffee. And here is why:
“Maltodextrins are derived from the wet milling process. They are a dextrose equivalent product of complete solubility but little or no sweetness. Maltodextrins are sprayed on instant tea and coffee to keep the granules free flowing. This solution is also used in instant soup mixes or other packages where the contents must be kept free flowing.”
Now while you think that you’re safe because you don’t drink instant, keep reading.
According to Jewish Kosher research:“Decaffeinated coffee is produced by soaking the green beans in a solvent that removes virtually all of the caffeine, after which the beans are dried and subsequently roasted. Chemicals used for this process include methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, super critical carbon dioxide, and carbonated water.”
That just makes you want to go grab a cup of decaf now doesn’t it? MMmm yummy chemicals and one of those comes from corn.
Wikipedia: Ethyl acetate is an ester that is synthesized from acetic acid and ethanol in the presence of strong acids like concentrated sulfuric acid in an esterification reaction.
Ethanol = corn. All you have to do is watch those new GM commercials to figure that out.
But what about your regular coffee?
“As such, some authorities insist on a Hashgacha for all roasted coffee for Pesach, since both regular and decaffeinated beans are typically roasted on the same equipment. .” (hashgacha = kosher supervision)
It’s roasted on the same equipment.
Other concerns about coffee also may include:
”Historically, when coffee became very expensive, manufacturers had added less flavorful, but more economical, vegetation to their product, including chicory and grain that, when roasted with coffee, produced an acceptable product. While chicory poses no Kashrus concern for Pesach, roasted grains would be considered Chometz and, although the use of such additives would be indicated on the product label, they are also roasted in the same equipment as regular coffee.”
And one of those grains very well could be corn. As corn has been used for decades as an early Native American “coffee”.
As a footnote, I do have to thank the Jewish religion and its followers for their intense research into foods and how they’re made. For those of us with grain (corn) allergies, they’re information is an honest God-send.
Another site for more info: A 2006 document on Corn Refining Industry Product Use lists corn starch and corn dextrins as being in rice and coffee polish. (Page 36)
More info on how beans are processed: ZeCuppa Coffee - Coffee Terms Farming/Processing
Seems normal right? Its brewed roasted beans, so what could be wrong with that?
Everyday, we avid corn avoiders find our foods constantly being contaminated with corn. And coffee is one of them.
For years now, many of us have known the dangers of places like Starbucks with their wicked corn-lined disposable coffee cups, the corn-based "natural" flavors they add, or other contaminates. But now before us looms a scarier villain.
Maltodextrin.
You may think.. “Well of course I know maltodextrin comes from corn, but what does this have to do with my morning coffee?”
They’re putting maltodextrin in your coffee.
In our time of convenience foods, conveyor belts, prepackaging, grab-n-go lifestyle.. Companies are finding new and cheaper ways to process food into these easy time saving conveniences.
According to a Canadian corn farmers site in Ontario, corn IS in your coffee. And here is why:
“Maltodextrins are derived from the wet milling process. They are a dextrose equivalent product of complete solubility but little or no sweetness. Maltodextrins are sprayed on instant tea and coffee to keep the granules free flowing. This solution is also used in instant soup mixes or other packages where the contents must be kept free flowing.”
Now while you think that you’re safe because you don’t drink instant, keep reading.
According to Jewish Kosher research:“Decaffeinated coffee is produced by soaking the green beans in a solvent that removes virtually all of the caffeine, after which the beans are dried and subsequently roasted. Chemicals used for this process include methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, super critical carbon dioxide, and carbonated water.”
That just makes you want to go grab a cup of decaf now doesn’t it? MMmm yummy chemicals and one of those comes from corn.
Wikipedia: Ethyl acetate is an ester that is synthesized from acetic acid and ethanol in the presence of strong acids like concentrated sulfuric acid in an esterification reaction.
Ethanol = corn. All you have to do is watch those new GM commercials to figure that out.
But what about your regular coffee?
“As such, some authorities insist on a Hashgacha for all roasted coffee for Pesach, since both regular and decaffeinated beans are typically roasted on the same equipment. .” (hashgacha = kosher supervision)
It’s roasted on the same equipment.
Other concerns about coffee also may include:
”Historically, when coffee became very expensive, manufacturers had added less flavorful, but more economical, vegetation to their product, including chicory and grain that, when roasted with coffee, produced an acceptable product. While chicory poses no Kashrus concern for Pesach, roasted grains would be considered Chometz and, although the use of such additives would be indicated on the product label, they are also roasted in the same equipment as regular coffee.”
And one of those grains very well could be corn. As corn has been used for decades as an early Native American “coffee”.
As a footnote, I do have to thank the Jewish religion and its followers for their intense research into foods and how they’re made. For those of us with grain (corn) allergies, they’re information is an honest God-send.
Another site for more info: A 2006 document on Corn Refining Industry Product Use lists corn starch and corn dextrins as being in rice and coffee polish. (Page 36)
More info on how beans are processed: ZeCuppa Coffee - Coffee Terms Farming/Processing
Friday, August 18, 2006
Benefits of Food Allergies
In reading some recommended links with advice for newly diagnosed food-allergic adults , I found on the same site something so fun and hilarious I just had to share it.
Good Things About Having Food Allergies
While some "good things" were rather mundane like:
#9: You'll naturally ingest less artificial food colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.
Other "Good Things" cracked me up:
# 21: If you run out of one ingredient needed for a recipe, you'll know how to substitute.
# 22: You'll never have to make lousy excuses for not eating at a friend's house who doesn't know how to cook.
# 31: You are able to dictate to your close relatives where you want to eat (if you're capable of eating out) when you go out
Good Things About Having Food Allergies
While some "good things" were rather mundane like:
#9: You'll naturally ingest less artificial food colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.
Other "Good Things" cracked me up:
# 21: If you run out of one ingredient needed for a recipe, you'll know how to substitute.
# 22: You'll never have to make lousy excuses for not eating at a friend's house who doesn't know how to cook.
# 31: You are able to dictate to your close relatives where you want to eat (if you're capable of eating out) when you go out
Food Allergy Initiative - Good but No Corn?
Over the course of the last few days, I've been doing research and reading up on FAST, an online allergy support group.
They seem like a great group, but navigating their site was causing me all sorts of problems with my browser.
What I did find was a supportive link of theirs to another site which researches food allergies, Food Allergy Initiative. No where on this FAI site did I find anything to do with corn allergy. Their only concerns are: Peanuts, Eggs, Milk, Seafood, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Soy, Fish.
I have written them to ask about why they leave out corn, but I haven't heard back. Maybe this is another company that we need to onslaught with corn allergy information.
Food Allergy Initiative
1414 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1804
New York, NY 10019
Food Allergy Initiative - Full Contact Info.
They seem like a great group, but navigating their site was causing me all sorts of problems with my browser.
What I did find was a supportive link of theirs to another site which researches food allergies, Food Allergy Initiative. No where on this FAI site did I find anything to do with corn allergy. Their only concerns are: Peanuts, Eggs, Milk, Seafood, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Soy, Fish.
I have written them to ask about why they leave out corn, but I haven't heard back. Maybe this is another company that we need to onslaught with corn allergy information.
Food Allergy Initiative
1414 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1804
New York, NY 10019
Food Allergy Initiative - Full Contact Info.
Allergy Apparel - The New Fashion Statement to Save Your Life
Parents of allergic children.. Have you ever wanted to put a post-it on your child's head stating "Do Not Feed The Bear" ? Or other similar warning of not giving the child anything unless you ok it?
Well NOW you can.. Allergy Wear is here!
CafePress.com Allergy
There are tshirts, mugs, pins.. Galore!
**Disclaimer: no-corn.blogspot.com is not affiliated nor makes any profit from the sale of these items. The sale of these items does however profit FAST an online allergy support group.
Well NOW you can.. Allergy Wear is here!
CafePress.com Allergy
There are tshirts, mugs, pins.. Galore!
**Disclaimer: no-corn.blogspot.com is not affiliated nor makes any profit from the sale of these items. The sale of these items does however profit FAST an online allergy support group.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Food For Thought - Farm Bill 2007
I was doing research and trying to provide a well researched article on US Farm Policies and Commodities with reguards to subsidies on corn etc. But everytime I tried to read one of the policies or reports on policies my head felt like it would explode.
I evidently need to do research into understanding the research before I can even adequately write about it.
However there is an article by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy that talks more plainly about the 2007 Farm Bill and what it means to American food supplies.
Notable excerpts:
"For the past 50 years, U.S. farm policy has been increasinly directed toward driving down the price of a few farm commodities including corn and soybeans. At the same time, prices for fruits and vegetables, grown with relatively little government support have steadily increased."
"Whether by intention or not, current farm policy has directed food industry investment into producing low-cost, processed foods high in added fats and sugars. These foods are often more available and more affordable than fresher, healthier choices and, not coincidentally, U.S. consumers are not eating more added sweeteners and oils than is healthy. Our misguided farm policy is making poor eating habits an economically sensible choice in the short term."
One of their solutions for this trend is to add support for Organic and Enviromentally friendly farming, that isn't being addressed by the farm bill.
"The Conservation Security Program provides farmers with a financial incentive to diversify their crop rotations and thereby produce environmental benefits that address resource concerns. Some food system problems could similarly be addressed with a "Health Security Program", where farmers recieve financial incentives for raising produce crops, grass-fed dairy and livestock, or organic products."
Its definately an interesting read and definately something we should look into and maybe address with our government representatives.
I definately don't want my tax dollars going to support wasteful corn production. Though I would definately throw money at supporting farmers who make a point to grow organically.
I evidently need to do research into understanding the research before I can even adequately write about it.
However there is an article by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy that talks more plainly about the 2007 Farm Bill and what it means to American food supplies.
Notable excerpts:
"For the past 50 years, U.S. farm policy has been increasinly directed toward driving down the price of a few farm commodities including corn and soybeans. At the same time, prices for fruits and vegetables, grown with relatively little government support have steadily increased."
"Whether by intention or not, current farm policy has directed food industry investment into producing low-cost, processed foods high in added fats and sugars. These foods are often more available and more affordable than fresher, healthier choices and, not coincidentally, U.S. consumers are not eating more added sweeteners and oils than is healthy. Our misguided farm policy is making poor eating habits an economically sensible choice in the short term."
One of their solutions for this trend is to add support for Organic and Enviromentally friendly farming, that isn't being addressed by the farm bill.
"The Conservation Security Program provides farmers with a financial incentive to diversify their crop rotations and thereby produce environmental benefits that address resource concerns. Some food system problems could similarly be addressed with a "Health Security Program", where farmers recieve financial incentives for raising produce crops, grass-fed dairy and livestock, or organic products."
Its definately an interesting read and definately something we should look into and maybe address with our government representatives.
I definately don't want my tax dollars going to support wasteful corn production. Though I would definately throw money at supporting farmers who make a point to grow organically.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Why it's so hard to find out whether foods contain corn
I've been trying to make at least a few phone calls per day to manufacturers of food or medicine to try to find information about the corn content of various foods and medications.
Even picking just the things that seem likely after scrutinizing the ingredients and researching on the web, I end up with maybe 1 out of every 5-10 attempts being actually confirmed as something that's probably safe.
One recent conversation was a pretty good example of a typical interaction: I called a company to ask about the xanthan gum and cellulose fiber in their brown rice bread. That one was a bit of a stretch, I knew, but I was hoping that they might have made an effort to make this special gluten-free supposedly-hypoallergenic bread without any of the more common allergens.
"Our xanthan gum does not have any corn in it," the customer service representative said with confidence. "It's not made from corn."
"Are you sure? Because xanthan gum is usually manufactured using corn derivatives."
"Xanthan gum isn't a corn product. I'm certain our xanthan gum does not contain any corn."
"Really?" I asked, "Xanthan gum isn't actually a corn product, but it's usually grown on corn syrup."
"Our xanthan gum is not grown on corn syrup."
"Wow, that's great. It must be grown on molasses or something like that, then? I know it can be grown on molasses, but it's not very common. I'm so glad--It's hard to find xanthan gum that's grown on something besides corn."
"It has to be grown on something? Isn't it just . . . gum from a xanthan tree or something?"
"No, it's an organism kind of similar to yeast, in a way." [Actually, it's a bacteria called Xanthonomonas campestris, usually responsible for the black mold on things like cauliflower, that creates a gummy substance in its external cell structure. But I didn't go into that much detail.] "It has to be grown on some kind of syrup, and then they separate it from the growth medium and dry it. But even after purification it will still have some traces of the corn syrup or whatever it was grown on."
"Oh."
I heard computer keys tapping.
"Uh. Um," she said. "This says it's also known as corn sugar gum."
"Yes, it is. That's because it's usually grown on corn sugar. But not always."
"Well, then I would think you probably shouldn't eat it, if it's called corn sugar gum. I wouldn't risk it if I were you."
"Uh, yeah. Thanks."
"What was the other thing you were wondering about? Cellulose fiber? Let me see what I can find out about that."
More key-tapping.
"Hmmm," she said, "My computer says that our cellulose fiber is made from fibrous plants. But it doesn't say what kind. Corn could definitely be a fibrous plant, couldn't it?"
"Yes, it certainly could. Is that all the information you're able to get on those ingredients?"
"Yes, that's all I can tell you. We buy these ingredients from suppliers, and we don't know what's in them. The suppliers may change, so it may even be different from one batch to another."
"Okay. Well, thanks anyway."
Without accurate labeling and with no requirement for manufacturers to know the ingredients of ingredients in foods, it really is almost impossible to find out which foods are truly corn-free.
Even picking just the things that seem likely after scrutinizing the ingredients and researching on the web, I end up with maybe 1 out of every 5-10 attempts being actually confirmed as something that's probably safe.
One recent conversation was a pretty good example of a typical interaction: I called a company to ask about the xanthan gum and cellulose fiber in their brown rice bread. That one was a bit of a stretch, I knew, but I was hoping that they might have made an effort to make this special gluten-free supposedly-hypoallergenic bread without any of the more common allergens.
"Our xanthan gum does not have any corn in it," the customer service representative said with confidence. "It's not made from corn."
"Are you sure? Because xanthan gum is usually manufactured using corn derivatives."
"Xanthan gum isn't a corn product. I'm certain our xanthan gum does not contain any corn."
"Really?" I asked, "Xanthan gum isn't actually a corn product, but it's usually grown on corn syrup."
"Our xanthan gum is not grown on corn syrup."
"Wow, that's great. It must be grown on molasses or something like that, then? I know it can be grown on molasses, but it's not very common. I'm so glad--It's hard to find xanthan gum that's grown on something besides corn."
"It has to be grown on something? Isn't it just . . . gum from a xanthan tree or something?"
"No, it's an organism kind of similar to yeast, in a way." [Actually, it's a bacteria called Xanthonomonas campestris, usually responsible for the black mold on things like cauliflower, that creates a gummy substance in its external cell structure. But I didn't go into that much detail.] "It has to be grown on some kind of syrup, and then they separate it from the growth medium and dry it. But even after purification it will still have some traces of the corn syrup or whatever it was grown on."
"Oh."
I heard computer keys tapping.
"Uh. Um," she said. "This says it's also known as corn sugar gum."
"Yes, it is. That's because it's usually grown on corn sugar. But not always."
"Well, then I would think you probably shouldn't eat it, if it's called corn sugar gum. I wouldn't risk it if I were you."
"Uh, yeah. Thanks."
"What was the other thing you were wondering about? Cellulose fiber? Let me see what I can find out about that."
More key-tapping.
"Hmmm," she said, "My computer says that our cellulose fiber is made from fibrous plants. But it doesn't say what kind. Corn could definitely be a fibrous plant, couldn't it?"
"Yes, it certainly could. Is that all the information you're able to get on those ingredients?"
"Yes, that's all I can tell you. We buy these ingredients from suppliers, and we don't know what's in them. The suppliers may change, so it may even be different from one batch to another."
"Okay. Well, thanks anyway."
Without accurate labeling and with no requirement for manufacturers to know the ingredients of ingredients in foods, it really is almost impossible to find out which foods are truly corn-free.
Annie's Homegrown - Listed Allergens - Warning Corn
8-16-06
Much of this blog will probably end up dire news about companies, FDA, FAAN, etc ignoring our pleas for help, but today is a day of good news.
Annie's Homegrown has included corn on its list of allergens at the bottom of the ingredients. It is not required by law, as only the top 8 allergens according to FAAN/FDA are required to be listed, but Annie's has taken a step forward in the right direction by including corn in its list of allergens.
Letters and inquiries into Annie's products has lead to other encouraging news as well. Several of their products are corn-free and some are even made in corn-free facilities. We've found Annie's to be extremely helpful in sharing any knowledge about their products with us, and so I have to give them many kudos. They even checked with their suppliers to make sure their ingredients are corn-free as well.
Annie's Homegrown reply of corn-free products as of this month:
Cheddar Bunny Crackers (Cheddar, Whole Wheat, White Cheddar, and Sour Cream & Onion)
Micro Mac - made on shared equip with corn, but no corn in actual product. (the website claims these to have corn starch though the company itself claims them to be corn-free, check the boxes)
Shells & White Cheddar - corn-free and not made on shared equip, but corn is present in the facility.
Bulk Pastas - corn-free and not made on shared equip, but corn is present in the facility.
GF Rice Pasta - corn-free, not made on shared equip, corn not present in the facility.
Annie's Homegrown has been so cooperative and helpful, that I just feel obligated to give them kudos, though our human guinea pigs are still out testing whether these products are indeed corn-free.
*** 9-1-06 *** Update: Several have tested these products and they are corn-free. Do make sure not to mistakenly buy their Deluxe mac & cheese as it does contain corn. Be careful of the micro-mac (read labels) as this product was not tested due to labeled corn.
Much of this blog will probably end up dire news about companies, FDA, FAAN, etc ignoring our pleas for help, but today is a day of good news.
Annie's Homegrown has included corn on its list of allergens at the bottom of the ingredients. It is not required by law, as only the top 8 allergens according to FAAN/FDA are required to be listed, but Annie's has taken a step forward in the right direction by including corn in its list of allergens.
Letters and inquiries into Annie's products has lead to other encouraging news as well. Several of their products are corn-free and some are even made in corn-free facilities. We've found Annie's to be extremely helpful in sharing any knowledge about their products with us, and so I have to give them many kudos. They even checked with their suppliers to make sure their ingredients are corn-free as well.
Annie's Homegrown reply of corn-free products as of this month:
Cheddar Bunny Crackers (Cheddar, Whole Wheat, White Cheddar, and Sour Cream & Onion)
Micro Mac - made on shared equip with corn, but no corn in actual product. (the website claims these to have corn starch though the company itself claims them to be corn-free, check the boxes)
Shells & White Cheddar - corn-free and not made on shared equip, but corn is present in the facility.
Bulk Pastas - corn-free and not made on shared equip, but corn is present in the facility.
GF Rice Pasta - corn-free, not made on shared equip, corn not present in the facility.
Annie's Homegrown has been so cooperative and helpful, that I just feel obligated to give them kudos, though our human guinea pigs are still out testing whether these products are indeed corn-free.
*** 9-1-06 *** Update: Several have tested these products and they are corn-free. Do make sure not to mistakenly buy their Deluxe mac & cheese as it does contain corn. Be careful of the micro-mac (read labels) as this product was not tested due to labeled corn.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Pfizer refuses to disclose allergens in Zyrtec
I called my allergist to ask about the Zyrtec syrup he had prescribed for my 12-month-old daughter Baby E's allergies, because I had read from several different sources that it contains corn-derived ingredients.
The allergist's nurse called Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zyrtec, and then called me back. She said they assured her that there were no corn or soy ingredients in Zyrtec syrup. However, it didn't seem that she'd checked on the sources of ingredients like glycerin that aren't called corn, but are usually derived from corn, and those like "flavorings" that very well may contain soy.
So I tracked down the 800 number myself and called Pfizer. After being put on hold and transferred numerous times, I finally got to ask my question. I asked if there were any corn- or soy-derived ingredients, specifically pointing out the often-problematic ones like glycerin and flavorings.
The "specialist" who helped me was able to tell me that there were no corn-derived ingredients in the sugar syrup. But he said that they DO NOT KNOW what is in the other ingredients, such as glycerin and flavorings, because they buy those from outside sources who do not disclose such information. It's "proprietary information".
So they don't know what's in their drugs, and they can't or won't find out. Not even for the allergens like soy that are required to be reported in food by the FDA. But medicine isn't food, now, is it? Never mind that we ingest it just like food.
He told me that Pfizer has a disclaimer that they can't guarantee any of their medications are free from any allergen at all. I informed him that it could be a life-and-death matter for highly allergic people like my daughter, and he said "for patients like that we recommend that they be very careful about anything they take, and discuss it with their doctor" to decide whether it's worth the risk or not.
But how can the doctor and patient make an informed decision if the drug company won't tell them whether the drug contains the thing they're allergic to?
All the package inserts say the medication is contraindicated for patients allergic to any of the ingredients. But when the ingredients are vague things like "flavorings" or "glycerin" that could come from any of many different sources, that's not much help. Not at all. They might as well just put "medicine" on the label and not say what's in it.
How in the world can a drug company NOT KNOW what's in the drugs they are making, and not be able or willing to find out? Most of the food companies I've talked to have been more than willing to contact their distributors and ask if there's any corn and/or soy in the products like glycerin and flavorings. The nutritionist at Trader Joe's is even researching what the goats eat that make the milk for the goat milk yogurt, to try to help me figure out why Baby E reacted immediately to it both times we tried it.
Even companies that don't disclose their formulas and consider their ingredients proprietary information have been more than willing to check on whether they contain a specific allergen. For the most part, they seem to actually care about helping us avoid an allergic reaction from consuming their products.
I'd like to write some letters or contact someone about this--it's just not right that a drug company would be unable/unwilling to disclose potential allergens in their products. Especially with a prescription medication intended to treat allergies, when you KNOW a higher-than-normal percentage of allergic individuals are going to be using it.
And then they have a disclaimer so that if someone dies because they didn't disclose an allergen, they hope nobody can do anything about it.
Something is seriously wrong with this system. Even if the information is not provided on the label (which I think it should be), consumers should be able to at lesat make an inquiry to the manufacturer of food and medicine items to get information about whether a food they are allergic to is in the item.
The allergist's nurse called Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zyrtec, and then called me back. She said they assured her that there were no corn or soy ingredients in Zyrtec syrup. However, it didn't seem that she'd checked on the sources of ingredients like glycerin that aren't called corn, but are usually derived from corn, and those like "flavorings" that very well may contain soy.
So I tracked down the 800 number myself and called Pfizer. After being put on hold and transferred numerous times, I finally got to ask my question. I asked if there were any corn- or soy-derived ingredients, specifically pointing out the often-problematic ones like glycerin and flavorings.
The "specialist" who helped me was able to tell me that there were no corn-derived ingredients in the sugar syrup. But he said that they DO NOT KNOW what is in the other ingredients, such as glycerin and flavorings, because they buy those from outside sources who do not disclose such information. It's "proprietary information".
So they don't know what's in their drugs, and they can't or won't find out. Not even for the allergens like soy that are required to be reported in food by the FDA. But medicine isn't food, now, is it? Never mind that we ingest it just like food.
He told me that Pfizer has a disclaimer that they can't guarantee any of their medications are free from any allergen at all. I informed him that it could be a life-and-death matter for highly allergic people like my daughter, and he said "for patients like that we recommend that they be very careful about anything they take, and discuss it with their doctor" to decide whether it's worth the risk or not.
But how can the doctor and patient make an informed decision if the drug company won't tell them whether the drug contains the thing they're allergic to?
All the package inserts say the medication is contraindicated for patients allergic to any of the ingredients. But when the ingredients are vague things like "flavorings" or "glycerin" that could come from any of many different sources, that's not much help. Not at all. They might as well just put "medicine" on the label and not say what's in it.
How in the world can a drug company NOT KNOW what's in the drugs they are making, and not be able or willing to find out? Most of the food companies I've talked to have been more than willing to contact their distributors and ask if there's any corn and/or soy in the products like glycerin and flavorings. The nutritionist at Trader Joe's is even researching what the goats eat that make the milk for the goat milk yogurt, to try to help me figure out why Baby E reacted immediately to it both times we tried it.
Even companies that don't disclose their formulas and consider their ingredients proprietary information have been more than willing to check on whether they contain a specific allergen. For the most part, they seem to actually care about helping us avoid an allergic reaction from consuming their products.
I'd like to write some letters or contact someone about this--it's just not right that a drug company would be unable/unwilling to disclose potential allergens in their products. Especially with a prescription medication intended to treat allergies, when you KNOW a higher-than-normal percentage of allergic individuals are going to be using it.
And then they have a disclaimer so that if someone dies because they didn't disclose an allergen, they hope nobody can do anything about it.
Something is seriously wrong with this system. Even if the information is not provided on the label (which I think it should be), consumers should be able to at lesat make an inquiry to the manufacturer of food and medicine items to get information about whether a food they are allergic to is in the item.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Revolt
We are organizing.
My anti-corn cronies and I are gathering and activating and organizing a revolt!
So prevalent is the corn in our foods that we no longer have a choice. We banded together at first to learn from each other. Then we decided that corn was in so much foods, that it was easier for us to create a list of safe foods rather than listing unsafe foods.
Now the companies that made our safe foods are being bought up by larger food corporations which sacrifice quality and start using the cheaper corn additives instead.
If that isn't enough, our fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and fruits, are being contaminated with corn. Whether it be edible films or spraying them with citric acid (from corn nowadays) to preserve their freshness, our food supply is continuously growing more and more harmful to those of us who are allergic to corn.
But its not just our foods, its medications. Check your medications against the list of corn allergens and see how many suspects of corn are listed in each one. I personally have had to resort to having all my every day medications compounded because I got tired of choosing between suffering through the ailment or getting sick. I have pseudophedrine (Sudafed), guaifenesin (Robitussin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) made special for me with pure drugs, no fillers, in capsules (made from pine trees, I checked). To do this you have to have a prescription, even though they're OTC medications. Which means doctors visits ($), plus having them made ($$$).
We turn to FAAN for help but get replies like corn isn't a "true allergy" or that a "true allergy" to corn is rare. Its not rare. Not as rare as the government would like you to believe evidently.
We were told by FAAN that to get corn recognized we needed to contact the FDA to get their policies changed. We contacted the FDA who promptly referred us to FAAN.
Somehow, we have to get someone to do studies to document everything for FAAN to do anything. Doctors to do these studies. Yet to get Doctors to believe us, we need studies, documentation, and even FAAN to support our claims. Most Doctors are too busy to even bother with us, and too easily brush us off as hypocondriacs.
Tired of being defeated, spending all our money on pricey pure foods, spending all our time in our kitchens making everything from scratch because we have no other choice, scared to travel due to inability to find outside of our homes.. corn-free restaurants, corn-free soaps, even corn-free toiletpaper... Tired of feeling locked in our homes.. We are revolting.
We are writing anyone who might listen.
Oprah
Montel
Local Congressmen/women
The FDA (maybe with enough bombardment someone might do something)
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
* 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
This is only the begining. But its a start. We're not going away. We won't take a backseat anymore. This is our lives, and we should be allowed to live them. And with things as they are, we aren't really living. We're just surviving one day at a time.
My anti-corn cronies and I are gathering and activating and organizing a revolt!
So prevalent is the corn in our foods that we no longer have a choice. We banded together at first to learn from each other. Then we decided that corn was in so much foods, that it was easier for us to create a list of safe foods rather than listing unsafe foods.
Now the companies that made our safe foods are being bought up by larger food corporations which sacrifice quality and start using the cheaper corn additives instead.
If that isn't enough, our fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and fruits, are being contaminated with corn. Whether it be edible films or spraying them with citric acid (from corn nowadays) to preserve their freshness, our food supply is continuously growing more and more harmful to those of us who are allergic to corn.
But its not just our foods, its medications. Check your medications against the list of corn allergens and see how many suspects of corn are listed in each one. I personally have had to resort to having all my every day medications compounded because I got tired of choosing between suffering through the ailment or getting sick. I have pseudophedrine (Sudafed), guaifenesin (Robitussin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) made special for me with pure drugs, no fillers, in capsules (made from pine trees, I checked). To do this you have to have a prescription, even though they're OTC medications. Which means doctors visits ($), plus having them made ($$$).
We turn to FAAN for help but get replies like corn isn't a "true allergy" or that a "true allergy" to corn is rare. Its not rare. Not as rare as the government would like you to believe evidently.
We were told by FAAN that to get corn recognized we needed to contact the FDA to get their policies changed. We contacted the FDA who promptly referred us to FAAN.
Somehow, we have to get someone to do studies to document everything for FAAN to do anything. Doctors to do these studies. Yet to get Doctors to believe us, we need studies, documentation, and even FAAN to support our claims. Most Doctors are too busy to even bother with us, and too easily brush us off as hypocondriacs.
Tired of being defeated, spending all our money on pricey pure foods, spending all our time in our kitchens making everything from scratch because we have no other choice, scared to travel due to inability to find outside of our homes.. corn-free restaurants, corn-free soaps, even corn-free toiletpaper... Tired of feeling locked in our homes.. We are revolting.
We are writing anyone who might listen.
Oprah
Montel
Local Congressmen/women
The FDA (maybe with enough bombardment someone might do something)
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
* 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
This is only the begining. But its a start. We're not going away. We won't take a backseat anymore. This is our lives, and we should be allowed to live them. And with things as they are, we aren't really living. We're just surviving one day at a time.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
For those actively avoiding corn, by those actively avoiding corn.
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