I recently learned that hexane is used to process soy to make yummy, low fat veggie burgers and other "health" foods. Hexane is a toxic petroleum solvent and is not safe for humans or the environment. So why do soy food companies poison their workers, the environment and possibly their customers?
These companies know that their consumers want low fat foods. A hexane "bath" is used to separate fat from the protein, resulting in a low fat product. One somewhat positive aspect of this issue is that hexane processing is not allowed for organic soy. Organic soy is also non-GMO (genetically modified organisms). Non-organic products containing soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, or texturized vegetable protein are the ones to avoid.
A 2009 report by the Cornucopia Institute revealed this shocking information to the public. Pertinent details including a list of brands that use hexane can be found in this article: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2010/04/enjoying_that_v.php.
So far I haven't found any information stating that soy product companies have changed their chemical process since this report came out.
What can you do?
1. Buy organic
2. Make your own veggie burgers. I'm accepting submittals of recipes!
3. Write to Gardenburger, Trader Joes, Morningstar Farms and the other companies asking them to clean up their act.
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