Prohibited trans fatty acids, raw materials that cannot be "irradiated" ...
Nutrition experts interpret children's snacks "new standard"
Yang Yanshe
Recently, the China Non-staple Food Circulation Association issued the first domestic children ’s snack group standard “General Requirements for Children ’s Snacks”, and for the first time proposed the concept of “children ’s snacks”, which clearly stipulated the nutritional health and safety of children ’s snacks. For example, the use of fats and oils should not contain trans fatty acids, and raw materials that have been irradiated should not be used. This standard is recommended and not enforced.
So what do professional terms such as "trans fatty acid" and "irradiation treatment" mean?
Yangzi Evening News / Ziniu News reporter Zhou Biying Yang Yan
■ Focus on "General Requirements for Children's Snacks"
1. The fat used in children's snacks should not contain trans fatty acids;
2. Raw materials that have been irradiated cannot be used;
3. Add less sugar, salt and oil, and require the limits of sodium chloride, sucrose and fat;
4. The use of preservatives, artificial colors, sweeteners is not allowed;
5. Snacks cannot "fall into small teeth";
6. Mandatory labeling of allergens.
● Reporters visit supermarkets without "children's snacks" section
Yangzi Evening News / Ziniu News reporter visited several large supermarkets, convenience stores, snack shops in Pukou District and Jianye District of Nanjing City, and found that almost no food or beverage would be clearly marked as "Children ’s Snacks", etc. Relevant words, there are few food and beverages that will indicate the age and other characteristics of the people who are suitable for eating this product; consumers' judgment on whether a certain food and beverage is designed for children or suitable for children is mainly based on common sense and outer packaging.
Trans fatty acids have been widely publicized in the past two years, and many people already know that it is the "enemy" of cardiovascular disease. Reporter Tandian found that some products have marked the sub-item "trans fatty acid" in the fat column of the nutrition table, and the content of the label is almost 0 (see right).
From the label, all kinds of snacks basically use preservatives, artificial colors and sweeteners, and there are many allergens. For example, a duck gizzard product has a "allergy-containing product" allergy warning. . However, it is extremely rare to mark "irradiation treatment" in the processing method of product raw materials. Of the nearly 30 snack labels that the reporter looked at, only two dried fruit products of the same brand, including black currant raisins and wolfberry, were sterilized by irradiation.
● Interpretation of nutritionist
1. There is no standard trans fatty acid, it does not mean that it does not contain
Zhou Tong, director of the nutrition department of Nanjing BenQ Hospital, gave an example. A long time ago, the cake used margarine, and the taste was relatively hard. This "hard cream" is a kind of trans fatty acid.
"The harm of trans fatty acids has indeed been more publicized in recent years. Everyone has a certain understanding of it, and businesses have also felt this. So in recent years, the use of trans fatty acids in food sales has actually decreased." Zhou Tong said.
In general, foods such as coffee mates, Western-style pastries, potato chips, French fries, and pearl milk tea are more likely to contain trans fatty acids.
Cai Xiaozhen, director of the Department of Nutrition of Jiangsu Geriatric Hospital, told reporters that China recommends that trans fatty acids be marked on food labels, but it is not mandatory, so those who cannot find the word "trans fatty acids" on the nutrition list may also be Being classified as fat does not mean that it does not contain it. Parents should be wary of some words on food labels, such as "hydrogenated oil" and "fat creamer", and the more commonly used "cocoa butter substitute" in chocolate, etc., will also contain trans fatty acids.
2. "Irradiation treatment"? do not be afraid
For the article "no raw materials for irradiation treatment", both experts felt that there was no need to be so harsh.
"Irradiated food" refers to food that has been ionized and irradiated with a certain dose in accordance with the requirements of the irradiation process specifications for the purpose of preservation and sterilization. Zhou Tong told reporters that the irradiation of this sterilization method is mostly used for the sterilization of ingredients with more moisture, such as candied fruit. This is already a very classic food processing method.
Cai Xiaozhen told reporters that everyone does not need to hear the word "Fu" to feel scared. The "irradiation" method of sterilization and antisepsis is actually used more in food processing. Compared with the preservatives added to food that will be eaten by us, this sterilization method can even be said to be safer.
The two experts also pointed out that irradiation kills bacteria, viruses and other "living organisms", which does not have much impact on the nutritional composition.
Suggest
Healthy snacks, experts recommend milk and beans
Nutrition experts say that limiting salt and sugar and no trans fatty acids in snacks is an improvement, but this does not mean that children ’s snacks can become healthy food.
Xia Pengbin, a nutritionist in the Department of Clinical Nutrition of Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, pointed out that children and adolescents are in the long physical stage. Some snacks can be added between meals to supplement necessary nutrition. However, sugar, puffed food, chocolate pie, cream cake, carbonated drinks, ice cream, etc., should be included in the snacks "black list."
Pan Jian, a nutritionist from the Nutrition Department of Nanjing Children's Hospital, said that the Chinese Nutrition Society recommends hygienic and nutritious snacks including: fruits and fresh vegetables that can be eaten raw (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes), dairy products, soybeans and their Products (dried tofu), nuts (such as pistachios, peanuts, cashews, etc.). Pan Jian particularly recommends milk and beans as snacks for students. Milk and soybeans, because they are rich in high-quality protein, are particularly important for children's growth and development, and at the same time can enhance the body's immunity, so it is a high-quality snack choice for students.
Students should drink 300-400 ml of milk every day; in addition to choosing milk for breakfast, snacks can also choose milk, yogurt, cheese. However, healthy milk does not include milk beverages such as lactic acid bacteria, sour yogurt, fruit milk, reconstituted milk. Students can take a handful of soybeans (15g, soybeans, green beans, black beans) every day, or choose soy products such as dried jerky and soy milk as high-quality snacks.