A study by Pro Consumer shows that salamis have little protein
AIRD says the report creates uneasiness and damages the sector
Diario Libre
SD. Pro Consumer reported yesterday that the Dominican population is consuming salami with a nearly total absence of proteins and very high levels of sodium nitrates, and they suggest to Public Health and the General Directorate of Standards and Quality Systems (Digenor) that they control the sale of the product.
Altagracia Paulino, the director of the institution, spoke on this subject as she gave the details of the report during a press conference. The study carried out in January 2012 together with Digenor in order to determine the quality of the salami in this country.
She noted that 97% of the 258 samples of different brands--from 22 meat processors in different parts of the country, both registered and non-registered-revealed that the protein content was below the established limit of 16%.
Moreover, she said that 15% of the samples showed the presence of e-coli bacteria which indicated improper handling according to quality director Jose Manuel Valenzuela. The salami also showed a 12% content of yeast and 51% showed sodium nitrate contents above the permitted limit which should not exceed 200mg/kg.
She noted nevertheless, that sodium nitrates were a necessary ingredient in the production of processed meats like salami because it eliminates pathogens but in such elevated quantities it could cause cancer.
The industrialists
The president of the Industrial Association of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), Ligia Bonetti de Valiente, said yesterday that the statements by the Pro Consumer director cause uneasiness and irreparable damages to the meat processing sector.
She said that there is no legislation that prohibits Pro Consumer from citing by first and last names the companies that have produced salami with the problems that the entity alleges. But she warns that if there are no specifics, "they (the statements) create uneasiness and irreparable damages."
"If the study is valid they should present the names of the companies, so that they can be checked and closed, but they can't fail to mention the industries that are complying with the regulations," said the business leader.
In the judgment of Bonetti de Valiente, if Paulino is going to protect the consumers, she has to do it it the right way, "that is by saying "Do not consume a brand", but not talking in a general manner, since that is not right." "Really, she has to be more responsible and say the names."
They will take measures
Paulino recalled that the investigation was carried out after a series of complaints which referred to the quality of the salamis and the ingredients used in their manufacture. Likewise she said that the representatives of the meat packing companies involved in the study, which she did not mention by name or brands, were committed to taking the corrective measures necessary. In the meantime, Pro Consumer will watch and monitor through periodic samplings.
Altagracia Paulino, the director of the institution, spoke on this subject as she gave the details of the report during a press conference. The study carried out in January 2012 together with Digenor in order to determine the quality of the salami in this country.
She noted that 97% of the 258 samples of different brands--from 22 meat processors in different parts of the country, both registered and non-registered-revealed that the protein content was below the established limit of 16%.
Moreover, she said that 15% of the samples showed the presence of e-coli bacteria which indicated improper handling according to quality director Jose Manuel Valenzuela. The salami also showed a 12% content of yeast and 51% showed sodium nitrate contents above the permitted limit which should not exceed 200mg/kg.
She noted nevertheless, that sodium nitrates were a necessary ingredient in the production of processed meats like salami because it eliminates pathogens but in such elevated quantities it could cause cancer.
The industrialists
The president of the Industrial Association of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), Ligia Bonetti de Valiente, said yesterday that the statements by the Pro Consumer director cause uneasiness and irreparable damages to the meat processing sector.
She said that there is no legislation that prohibits Pro Consumer from citing by first and last names the companies that have produced salami with the problems that the entity alleges. But she warns that if there are no specifics, "they (the statements) create uneasiness and irreparable damages."
"If the study is valid they should present the names of the companies, so that they can be checked and closed, but they can't fail to mention the industries that are complying with the regulations," said the business leader.
In the judgment of Bonetti de Valiente, if Paulino is going to protect the consumers, she has to do it it the right way, "that is by saying "Do not consume a brand", but not talking in a general manner, since that is not right." "Really, she has to be more responsible and say the names."
They will take measures
Paulino recalled that the investigation was carried out after a series of complaints which referred to the quality of the salamis and the ingredients used in their manufacture. Likewise she said that the representatives of the meat packing companies involved in the study, which she did not mention by name or brands, were committed to taking the corrective measures necessary. In the meantime, Pro Consumer will watch and monitor through periodic samplings.
Diario Libre
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