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comment by kleinbl00
kleinbl00  ·  4733 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Joe Schwarcz: McNugget Chemistry
>Does that mean we shouldn’t consume anything that contains 4-methylthiobutyl isothiocyanate or epigallocatechin gallate? We would have to give up cabbage and tea.

No, because those are called "cabbage" and "tea" (but not really: http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/data/rw1551541.html). Yeah, you can call water "dihydrogen monoxide" but the FDA isn't going to make you do that. And if you don't think any manufacturer of foodstuffs is gonna go for the simplest, friendliest labeling they can, you're high.

Whether or not TBHQ is safe (I see no reason to assume it's not), Marion Nestle's advice is simply an easy shorthand for "eat what you understand." Most any schmo can pronounce "saccharin", for example, and "partially-hydrogenated coconut oil" is damn near phonetic. However, someone doing the baking isn't going to seek out "partially-hydrogenated coconut oil" when they're cooking for their family, even if it is a tasty ingredient favored by the Keebler elves.

As far as McNuggets, go, here's my favorite clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v...

(Now watch american children: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v...)





mk  ·  4733 days ago  ·  link  ·  
It was mentioned in a comment under the American clip: the kids in the American video are much younger, and they do seem to be lead by the first kid that raised his hand.

Personally, I eat McDonalds or any other chain fast food about 2-3 times per year. I also won't eat sugar substitutes like Splenda. We get organic, milk, meat and eggs, and some organic produce. The FDA doesn't determine whether or not something like Splenda, or hormones given to cows or chickens increases rates of cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. The FDA does not protect you when it comes to the effects of lifetime consumption of foodstuffs.

Probably the most harmful thing about nuggets is the salt. Also, when you are eating nuggets, you aren't eating something else.