bekeeblog

so i got my standard veggie sub and bag of chips from subway today... and as the fellas were chatting about viruses and people and dna, i decided to read the ingredients list on the bag of spicy chipotle sun chips. it's too long of a list already for chips that are "good for you". i won't even go into the use of artificial color... but imagine my horror when i read the words "Beef Fat."

wtf?! really?! so, their customer service department is receiving the following:

i find it quite silly that you'd use beef fat in a product that you claim to be healthy. i'm a fairly strict pescetarian, and was appalled to discover that i had just eaten a bag of chips containing beef fat. i'm sorely disappointed; and think that even tho there is no FDA mandate or precedent, your customers would benefit from the knowledge that you have added an unnecessary ingredient to your line of chips, maybe a dead cow next to those chipotle peppers on the bag.

it is because of this oversight on your part that i will discontinue consumption of any of your lines of product.

this means i will no longer partake in sun chips (now referred to as "beef chips"), baked lays (who needs the calories?), in addition to not having had fritos or cheetos for a number of years i can't count on two hands, as well as doritos, and tostitos. unfortunately, those are just the featured brands. their full list is much larger; however, the contents of that list already do not make it to my shopping basket.

update:

i got a response... the contents are pretty much what i expected.

Thank you for writing to us. Your comments are important, and we're glad you got in touch with us. Feedback like yours is greatly appreciated and will be shared with the appropriate teams within our company.

This is one of the few snacks that has a animal flavoring in the seasoning. The good news is that if a seasoning does contain this ingredient, it will be listed on the ingredient statement and not "hidden" under "natural flavors." This way you can always know if the snack is something you'd be able to eat.

I sincerely apologize for the bad experience you had with this snack. A replacement coupon is being sent to you and should arrive in about a week.

We consider you a valued consumer and hope you will continue to enjoy snacks from Frito-Lay.

Best regards,

Linda

the problem is that she's right. companies hide beef and chicken under "natural flavors" because they can. there is no fda regulation that states the use of animal products need to be specified because no one will die if they eat it (unlike the potential with peanuts, wheat, and soy). plus, corporations know that if (savvy) shoppers were aware of each and every single ingredient, we'd opt for brands that still make chips out of plain ol' corn.