"At Nature's Path, we strive to improve and better ourselves every day--even though we've been at it for decades. We discovered that a micro-ingredient wasn't the best choice, and thanks to a close relationship with our customers, they told us. And together, we always manage to find the best way forward in our commitment to always being organic and constantly working towards a more sustainable world," says Arran Stephens, founder and CEO of Nature's Path Foods, Inc.
"This is exactly what we'd hoped our research would be used for, not only to shift market share, but to encourage manufacturers to evaluate their sourcing and make improvements. These are ethical business that we hope will be rewarded in the marketplace," says Kastel.
One other problem with hexane extraction is that it is not widely known, even among manufacturers sourcing raw ingredients. It is a common processing agent for soy oil, soy meal (fed to livestock) and soyfood ingredients, and is an inexpensive tool for high protein extraction. Because it is a processing agent, not an ingredient, companies are not required to disclose to consumers (wholesale or retail) that it was used in the production of their ingredients.
"Consumers have many choices when shopping for nutrition bars and meat alternatives, and the "certified organic' seal assures consumers that they are buying a product free of hexane-extracted soy protein ingredients," says Vallaeys.
While other countries set legal limits of hexane residues in foods, the US Food and Drug Administration does not require that food companies test foods for hexane residues.
It is therefore the responsibility of individual companies to commit to sourcing soy protein ingredients that were produced using alternative, cleaner and more environmentally friendly methods. The Cornucopia Institute's report and guide helps consumers identify these companies.
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