More specifically, some of the ingredients, such as thiamine mononitrate, come from Chinese petroleum.

Disturbing?

Yes. But perhaps even more so is the fact that the LA Times author of this article said Twinkies contain "other unexpected ingredients that are much harder to trace." Ingredients coming from American food additive "manufacturers" who buy their chemicals from distributors without asking where they came from. The distributors are guilty, too, because they buy from importers, who buy from exporters, who also do not identify their real sources.

Of course, Twinkies are not the only food (if you can call them that) on your grocery store shelves that contain a sampling of strange chemicals from around the world. Most all processed foods, from salad dressings to frozen dinners, contain foreign additives.

It took the recent tainted pet food calamity to bring to light the gross lack of oversight going on in this country and around the world when it comes to your food safety (not to mention nutrient content). But I doubt it has spurred much significant change.

You simply must look out for your own best interests when it comes to the food you choose to put in your body, which is why I'm a whole-hearted believer in buying your foods from local, community-supported agriculture programs.

Fortunately, it's the right season in the United States to take advantage of local farmer's markets, and if you don't know where to find one we've compiled some excellent resources to help you find locally grown vegetables in your area.

LATimes.com May 29, 2007  

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