April 4, 2013

Artificial Raspberry flavor milked from the anal glands of a beaver


1.Artificial Raspberry flavor milked from the anal glands of a beaver

We all love the raspberry flavor. But have you ever wondered from where this tasty artificial raspberry flavor comes from? This Artificial raspberry flavor contains castoreum which is extracted from the anal glands of beaver, a semi aquatic rodent. Castoreum is used in making perfumes and as a food additive. You might have noticed castoreum in list of natural flavors on a food product’s label. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of United States claims that castoreum is a safe food additive. Its annual industry consumption is around 300 pounds.
Image Source
The key component of artificial raspberry, castoreum is the ooze from the castor sacs of beaver. It is the yellow secretion that comes out of a beaver along with urine. Through this scented secretion, the beaver marks its territory. Now this bitter truth is hard to believe. Next time try not to think about this bitter truth while having your favorite raspberry icecream.
All artificial raspberry flavored food products like ice creams, yogurts, teas, candies, Jell-o, fruit flavored drinks contain castoreum as a key component. Castoreum is also used in some cigarettes and perfumes. Romans believed that the fumes produced by burning castoreum could induce abortion in females. 

This bitter truth is surely a bad news for all the foodies who would feel disgusted after reading this fact. They would no longer be able to enjoy their favorite food products.

No comments:

Post a Comment