Ice Test Issues Alarm over Ice Containing Suspect Chemicals
In a recent test by Oeko-Test, a well-known consumer magazine that evaluates products for safety and environmental impact, 12 vegan ice cream varieties were investigated, with one product, Cremissimo Bourbon Vanille by Unilever, receiving the rating "insufficient".
The Cremissimo ice cream was found to have questionable ingredients, specifically increased levels of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOSH-analogues). Although the substance is presumably not absorbed by the body, it is suspected of promoting allergies and, in animal studies, has been linked to organ damage. MOSH/MOSH-analogues accumulate in human fat tissue and some organs, but the long-term consequences are still unclear.
On the other hand, five out of the 12 tested vegan ice cream varieties received the rating "very good". Vegan ice cream varieties are increasingly popular and can be found in many supermarkets.
The Cremissimo ice cream, however, received a "very good" rating in the discipline of sensory evaluation. The taste was described as aromatic, with a distinct vanilla note, sweet, and reminiscent of cream. The creamy, melting consistency of Cremissimo ice cream was also praised.
Another criticism concerns the additive carrageenan, which was found in Cremissimo ice cream and Mövenpick Urban Moments Cherry Brownie. Carrageenan is obtained from red algae and serves as a thickener. Oeko-Test experts emphasized that the Cremissimo ice cream was the only product to receive the rating "insufficient" due to the questionable ingredients. They recommend avoiding the use of carrageenan.
In animal studies, negative effects on the digestive tract and immune system have also been found for carrageenan. Although it is presumably not absorbed by the body, it is suspected of promoting allergies.
Despite the controversy surrounding Cremissimo ice cream, many cult brands have disappeared from the shelves, unlike the Cremissimo ice cream. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking Oeko-Test's official publications or their website.
The lab results for the test are available for a fee. Four other tested ice cream varieties contained only traces of MOSH, which were not downgraded by Oeko-Test.
Oeko-Test also criticised the Mövenpick Urban Moments Cherry Brownie for three pesticides and the presence of carrageenan in the samples.
In conclusion, while Cremissimo ice cream received positive reviews for its taste and texture, the presence of questionable ingredients, particularly MOSH/MOSH-analogues and carrageenan, has raised concerns. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing this product and to check Oeko-Test's official publications for the most accurate and up-to-date information. On the other hand, vegan ice cream varieties are increasingly popular and can be a viable alternative for those seeking a safer option.
- The questionable ingredients found in Cremissimo Bourbon Vanille vegan ice cream, such as increased levels of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOSH-analogues), have prompted concerns about its potential impact on health and wellness, including the promotion of allergies and links to organ damage.
- Vegan ice cream varieties, while offering an increasingly popular health-and-wellness lifestyle choice, must be carefully evaluated for their therapies-and-treatments and nutrition content, as demonstrated by the recent Oeko-Test findings.
- To ensure optimum food-and-drink safety, it is advisable for consumers to avoid products like Cremissimo ice cream that contain additives like carrageenan, which, though not always absorbed by the body, have been linked to negative effects on the digestive system and immune system in animal studies.
