Media coverage regarding Phosphates.

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Over the last few days there has been some media activity regarding the use of phosphates in foods.  The headlines were proclaiming that Doner Kebabs could be banned.

This has caused a ripple of confusion to spread through to wholesalers and end users.  Rest assured that there is no need to panic.

Once again, this seems to be lazy journalism that is designed to create a story from nothing.

The story seemed to be based on a German initiative which targeted Turkish style kebabs. These are the stacked meat variety rather than ‘minced’ doner that we manufacture in the UK. However, the initiative suggested that they should not ban the same phosphates being used in the manufacture of German sausages.  Once you read beyond the sensationalism of the headlines, the fact is that the proposal to the European Parliament Health Committee voted 32-22 to oppose it.

The kebab market is too easy to pour scorn on due to the existing public perception of our industry. To have a sensational headline underlined by an article cancelling out the claims in it is, in our minds, irresponsible reporting to garner public reaction.

However, because this has caused some customers to question what we put in a kebab, even though it’s all on the label, we are taking this opportunity to clarify our position on phosphates.

What are phosphates?
Your body needs phosphates, compounds that contain the mineral phosphorus, to build strong bones and teeth, to help synthesize DNA and RNA and to keep the kidneys functioning properly. Healthy adults should have approximately 700 milligrams of phosphorus each day. However, if you consume too many phosphates, especially as an additive in processed foods, you may increase your risk of heart and kidney disease.

Phosphorus is found naturally in dairy, meat, and plants. It’s needed to help cells work properly. Phosphates enhance flavour and moistness in deli meats, frozen food, cereals, cheese, and baked goods.  For example, an 8oz serving of plain, non-fat yoghurt contains 385mg of phosphates.

Cola and carbonated soft drinks, flavoured water, bottled coffee beverages and fruit flavoured drinks typically contain phosphate additives to improve their flavour and texture.  They also prevent the components from separating. A 12oz serving of cola contains 41 milligrams of added phosphates.  To avoid these sources of phosphates, check the ingredient label for phosphoric acid, monocalcium phosphate or tricalcium phosphate and choose unsweetened, unprocessed beverages more often.

Phosphates are present in a Double A kebab.  They are used in the spice pack to enhance flavour. These phosphates control water loss during cooking which gives a more succulent product less prone to drying out.  Cooking yields would be affected if phosphates are removed meaning less kebabs from each doner.  Also, the doner will become more fragile and difficult to cut leading to inconsistency in quality if the phosphates are removed.

Being BRC AA Accredited, all of our ingredients are at levels approved by all current food laws.  Our technical team are fully aware food legislation and will immediately respond to any changes required by law.

In short,
Double A Kebab products are legal and within all existing nutritional guidelines.

We see the recent media activity as trivial and unhelpful to the public.  The headlines seem only to have been created to create ill feeling towards our industry.

Rest assured that Double A Kebab are at the forefront of kebab manufacturing and will continue to produce the best tasting and highest quality kebab on the market.

If you would like to know more on this subject, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Double A Kebab directly.

Double A Kebab Ltd
Enterprise Road
Millennium Business Park
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG19 7JX
01623 422888
info@doubleakebab.co.uk

Lastly,..At least one blogger has seen through all this! Well done Rory.

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