This product is not certified organic [read more]
Products bearing the USDA certified organic seal must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredient, and must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Contains food additives of lower concern
Manufacturer likely used the toxic chemical BPA in can lining [read more]
BPA, an endocrine disrupting chemical, is used to line the inside of nearly every canned food sold in the United States. Research shows that BPA readily leaches from the cans into the food. For more information visit: https://www.ewg.org/key-issues/toxics/bpa
Antibiotics were likely used in the production of this meat [read more]
Many animals are fed low doses of antibiotics throughout their lifespan to speed growth and prevent diseases. These non-essential uses promote antibiotic resistance, posing a serious risk to human health.
Hormones and/or growth promoters were likely used in production of meat ingredients [read more]
Hormone implants and artificial growth promoters are commonly used to speed the growth of meat animals. These practices are not allowed in Europe due to health concerns.
Contains the non-specific ingredient “flavor” [read more]
Added “flavors” are secret and often complex mixtures of chemicals that modify and manipulate the taste and smell of food. The lack of disclosure is a public right to know issue and especially concerning to people with unusual food allergies or on restricted diets.
Contains 46% of the Institute of Medicine’s daily sodium (salt) recommendations based on adequate intake [read more]
This product contains a high percentage of the Institute of Medicine’s recommended adequate intake for sodium of 1500 mg a day (IOM 2005). This value is much lower than what the FDA requires be listed on food labels — 2400 mg.
Americans average 3,400 mg of sodium a day. Most of this sodium comes from processed foods where sodium is added to mask the lack of freshness by enhancing the flavor, texture or palatability and extending shelf-life (IOM 2010). Many of these uses are for the manufacturers benefit and not the consumer’s health as excess sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease (IOM 2010).
This product contains added sugar ingredients: Sugars [read more]
Eating too much of any type of sugar can lead to tooth decay. Added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, honey, sugar and dextrose are more concerning than natural sugars like raisins because they can lead to obesity by adding calories without being accompanied by important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C or fiber. Americans average 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day (NCI 2010; USDA and DHHS 2010). The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 to 12 teaspoons of added sugar a day for adults, children should eat even less (WHO 2002; WHO 2014).
Product has been classified as having moderate processing concerns
From the Package
CHICKEN BROTH, COOKED ITALIAN SAUSAGE (PORK, SPICES, MUSTARD SEED, SALT, PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVORS, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, WATER), CARROTS, MEZZANINI RIGATI PASTA (SEMOLINA WHEAT, EGG WHITE), SPINACH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, CORN PROTEIN (HYDROLYZED), SPICE, SALT, ONION POWDER, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, FLAVOR, SUGAR, GARLIC POWDER, TOMATO EXTRACT, MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL FLAVOR, BETA CAROTENE (COLOR)
Products remain in the Database for two years after their label information is recorded in stores, even when they have been discontinued (products may remain in stores and pantries long past the date they cease to be manufactured). EWG marks a product it is aware has been discontinued with a banner identifying it as such.
Please note that EWG obtains the displayed images of products from third parties and that the product’s manufacturer or packager may change the product’s packaging at any point in time. Therefore, EWG assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of images presented.
Dining and Cooking