What foods are most likely to contain sulfites? Do your Western Family frozen vegetables contain sulfites?
The most common sources of sulfites tend to be dried fruit, frozen potato products and processed foods. However, by law, if sulfites are in a product, this must be stated on the ingredient list. All of our frozen vegetables are sulfite-free with the exception of frozen mushrooms and any product with frozen mushrooms added.

What is xanthan gum? I see it listed as an ingredient on many food labels?
Xanthan gum is a food additive used as a stabilizer or thickening agent. Other gums commonly used in food include guar gum, locust bean gum and arabic gum. They are all derived from natural ingredients such as trees, seaweed or bacteria and are not considered harmful. You will commonly find them in beverages, candy, dough, drink mixes, ice cream and salad dressings.

What is the difference between hydrogenated and hydrolyzed?
Hydrogenation refers to a process in which hydrogen is added to an oil that starts out as a liquid and converts it to a more solid form. It is commonly used in the manufacture of margarines, but is also used in many packaged good to keep the oil from separating. This is why a high fat potato chip or cookie doesn't appear oily even though it is very high in fat. Hydrogenated fats are not natural and should be minimized in the diet.

Hydrolyzed vegetable or plant protein (HVP) are additives used as flavour enhancers in such foods as instant soup and sauce mixes or wieners. They are made of plant protein, usually from soybeans, that have been broken down using water into smaller components. HVP contains MSG (monosodium glutamate) which may cause reactions in sensitive people.

What is a genetically-modified food?
GMO, or genetically modified organism, refers to a food that has been altered through some form of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is a form of biotechnology that includes a spectrum of techniques ranging from fermentation to plant and animal breeding, cell and tissue culture and antibiotic production. In any plant or animal, its traits are encoded in its genetic material (DNA or RNA). Genetic modification focuses on the manipulation of the genetic material inside the cells to block or add desired traits to the organism. The most commonly genetically modified crops include corn, canola, potato, soybean and flax. To date in Canada, no animal genes have been transferred into foods available in our supermarkets. The majority of the genetic modification has been done to the plants to make them more resistant to pests and environmental stress thereby producing higher yields.

Is it true that MSG can be found in almost every food?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of a naturally occurring amino acid known as glutamate. No, it is not true that MSG is in almost every food. However, since glutamate is one of the main components of protein, it is present in most tissues and therefore almost every food. The body naturally produces approximately 50 grams of glutamate per day. The average person ingests about 11 grams of glutamate a day. Approximately 1 gram of this is from MSG.

Is the wax coating on produce like apples, cucumbers and turnips considered safe?
Wax is used on produce to prevent it from drying out. This improves its safety, shelf life, appearance and quality. The waxes used on produce must actually be food-grade. This means they are edible and not harmful. However, as with any fresh produce, thoroughly wash before eating.