Safe? Or not?

[SilverLining]

Does this ingredient list sound pa safe?

Pure cane sugar, non dairy creamer (corn syrup solids, hydrogenated coconut oil, sodium caseinate (a milk derivative), dipotassium phosphate, mono-and diglycerides, salt, sodium citrate, sodium silicoaluminate, soy lecithin, artificial flavours, artificial colours). Maltodextrin, cocoa and artificial flavours, salt, silicone dioxide. Contains Milk. Manufactured in a plant that processes soy.

I wouldn't actually be drinking this...but possibly stuff that runs with it.

I have sent an e-mail to the manufacturer, but wanted other people's opinions too.

[TwoDDs]

I'm not the best a labels and I'd avoid this product because there are two chemical ingredients I cannot identify - but they may not be problematic at all.

However, even without that - with two sets of artificial flavors - the set in the creamer and the set paired with cocoa (presumably intended to make whatever this is chocolaty and delicious - this would be a no go for me.  YMMV.

[rebekahc]

Yes, it sounds PA safe to me on the surface - especially since they labeled the possible soy contamination.  BUT, I've seen labels before that list possible contamination with one allergen even though there's really possible contamination with more allergens.  I never understood why they would bother to mention just the one.  However, if you're not drinking this (I'm assuming it's cocoa) and you're looking at possible contamination from possible contamination, I probably wouldn't worry.

[SilverLining]

It's a flavoured hot chocolate.  And I would not be drinking this one. In fact, it will not be in my home. But, I have bought other products that might run on the same equipment.   Previously they said they do not use any peanut or peanut oil.

[PurpleCat]

I would question if the cocoa is safe if you were going to drink it.  That happened once with a hot chocolate when DD was very small.  They did not add nut, but the cocoa came from a place that did have a variety of peanuts, almonds, and a few others I can not remember in the same facility.

[CMdeux]

Yup-- what R and PC said. 

[guess]

Nothing as written raises flags.  What roused your suspicions?  I'm wondering if something else like a product that shares the line or previous recalls?  Or was it the cocoa as others mention?

[SilverLining]

Nothing as written raises flags.  What roused your suspicions?  I'm wondering if something else like a product that shares the line or previous recalls?  Or was it the cocoa as others mention?

It's called "Peanutbutter cup".

But, everything I found when looking into Hazlenut flavoured coffee, it was artificial flavour and had 0 real nut in it. (That may not be true of all, but one specific one I had looked into.)

[SilverLining]

( My apologies to anyone that just spewed coffee on their keyboard.)

[guess]

Not at all.  I knew there had to be something else that raised your suspicions.  From what I know of some products of USA origin that use artificial flavo(u)ring to mimic peanut they are artificial hazelnut flavoring whatever that might be.  Examples off the top of my head are top 8 friendly flavor straws that include PB & chocolate, and I believe Watkins peanut butter cookie extract both use these artificial hazelnut flavors to mimic peanut butter.  Torani syrup also has an artificial hazelnut syrup without any nut extracts.  The bottle is labeled "Nut Free", and similarly the Starbucks syrup flavors of toffee nut and pralines are also artificially flavored with no nut ingredient. 

[2ndGenAllergyMom]

Artificial flavorings and "natural" flavorings are essentially the same thing, they are only derived differently.  Neither comes even remotely close to "nature," they are simply chemicals.  The "natural" ones are derived from foods, plants, or other substances that might be considered "natural" in their original state, which is why you will see seemingly-unrelated allergen warnings following a "natural flavor" ingredient.  Those natural flavors are still subject to FALCPA.  Artificial flavors are the same chemical compounds, but are derived by mixing other chemicals together.  So if it doesn't mention peanut anywhere (which it doesn't) then real peanut isn't present.  And since they have the soy warning, I would hope they would have voluntarily mentioned all possible CC.

This could be a good way for someone with PA to try the flavor, if they're interested.  Personally, I have zero interest in trying artificial nut flavors, more for the very healthy aversion I've developed to real nuts than any feeling of real danger.

Source:  Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

[TwoDDs]

Thanks Eileen, that's helpful.  I never made any distinction between natural and artificial flavors and assumed they could all be contaminated.

[guess]

Who is Eric Schlosser?

[rebekahc]

Apparently, an investigative journalist.

[hk]

( My apologies to anyone that just spewed coffee on their keyboard.)

Thanks!  I came quite close to doing exactly that!