Olean, a nonfattening, non-metabolizable fat developed by the Procter & Gamble Company, was approved by the FDA in 1996 for use in salty snack foods such as potato chips and tortilla chips. Americans eat about 22 pounds of salty snack foods per capital every year. In spite of having FDA approval, Olean remains controversial, with supporters and detractors. Use the Web to locate the Olean web site as well as other sites that present contrasting viewpoints.
1. Explain how does Olean work and why it is not digested?
2. Determine the drawbacks to using Olean in snack foods?
3. Explain why is the use of Olean in this way controversial?
4. Present accounts expressing opposing viewpoints regarding the use of Olean.
5. Discuss your decision about using products containing Olean? Explain your reasoning.
Searching for Sweetness
Aspartame received FDA approval in the1981, but the search for artificial sweeteners has continued. Use the Web to identify if any artificial sweeteners have received the FDA approval since1981.
1. Find out the artificial sweetener(s) and its (their) intended uses.
2. Discuss the chemical composition of the sweetener.