/oss/taxonomy/term/5236/all en /oss/article/health-and-nutrition-you-asked/what-modified-palm-oil <p>This is a term you will see on the ingredients list of numerous products ranging from margarine and shortening to chocolate bars. I’ve been repeatedly asked about the presence of modified palm oil in Nutella, the popular chocolate hazelnut spread. Let’s squash one misconception right away. There is no genetic modification involved here, rather the term refers to altering the molecular structure of the naturally occurring fats in palm oil to produce fats with the desired melting point, consistency and mouthfeel.  </p> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:41:00 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 9002 at /oss /oss/article/health-nutrition/tempest-butterdish <p>My “bread and butter” is demystifying science. Often that takes me down a slippery slope, slaloming between gates of “ifs,” “buts” and “maybes,” never quite getting to that definitive finish line. I’m talking about issues such as endocrine disruptors, fluoridation, agricultural chemicals, dietary supplements, weight loss schemes and viral transmission. Sometimes, however, I feel quite confident in providing an answer to questions that are raised. And this week I have been inundated with queries about the safety of our butter supply. Why?</p> Fri, 26 Feb 2021 23:13:41 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 8635 at /oss