Tag: Chemical processing

While often marketed as a healthy option, most commercial rice bran oil undergoes a chemical extraction process using solvents like hexane to maximize yield, particularly for cost-effective mass production. It is important to understand the manufacturing process to make an informed choice.

The stevia plant, native to South America, has been used as a natural sweetener for hundreds of years. Today, however, the question 'Is stevia a natural or chemical product?' is not so simple, as the sweetener available in stores undergoes extensive processing that blurs the lines between its plant-based origins and modern manufacturing techniques.

With cardiovascular disease being a leading global health concern, choosing the right cooking oil is crucial for wellness. This article analyzes the facts to determine which is more harmful, mustard oil or refined oil, by comparing their nutritional content, processing methods, and overall health impacts.

Over 90% of edible vegetable oils undergo a bleaching process using specific chemicals to achieve desired clarity, stability, and taste. Understanding what chemicals are used to bleach seed oils is crucial for comprehending modern food processing and safety standards. This process involves the careful use of adsorbent materials that physically bind and remove impurities rather than chemically altering the oil's core composition.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose, not simply sawdust, created through an intensive chemical process. The misconception arises because, in some cases, sawdust can serve as a raw material for MCC production.

According to a 2024 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a re-evaluation of the safety of hexane used as an extraction solvent is needed, raising questions about what foods contain hexane. This guide explores how this petroleum-derived chemical is used in food manufacturing and where you might find it.

Did you know that soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier in a huge range of processed foods, from chocolate to salad dressing? The key question is, what is the soy lecithin controversy, and should you be concerned about this ubiquitous additive?