Posted by IsoM on January 24, 2003, at 14:46:25
In reply to Re: What goes in pet food and animal feed » IsoM, posted by Tabitha on January 22, 2003, at 4:06:26
Sorry, Tabitha, but all gelatin (or gelatine) comes from rendering dead animals. Pig skin is the main source, but hooves, horns, & other parts are used too. I can't be certain but the food & pharmaceutical grade gelatin is supposed to come from healthy animals. I do know that regulations aren't always followed or strictly held.
At the store I work at, everyone knows when health inspectors are coming, & things get tidied up fast. To be behind the scenes at some large stores & factories is quite an eye-opener!
There are plant gums that function much like gelatin. It's what strict vegans use. These gums from seaweed & other plants thicken just like gelatin but without needing to be heated then cooled. They gel at room temperature. I use some for thickening my salad dressings & other foods. I'm not a vegetarian so I use them when I don't want to heat the food I'm making.
Some gums available are carrageenan, guar gum, agar, & gum tragacanth. You'll often see them listed on foods like dressings, ice creams, etc. Most can be bought at a health food store, but I prefer to order from a pharmacy, if possible. Much cheaper that way.
Gummi candies made in the States & Canada do contain gelatin but if you buy Oriental gummi candies, most contain vegetable gums. Read the ingredients to be sure.
poster:IsoM
thread:35640
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030120/msgs/35743.html