Question from LW
After using Pacific Organic Chicken Broth I started to have a reaction to the broth. Included in the ingredients are Natural Flavors, which the company described in response to my e mail, as Plant Extracts. Due to “proprietary reasons” they would not explain what ingredients they are. Instead they asked me to give a list of things I am sensitive to and they would check if it was in the broth.
Is there an easier way to find out all the ingredients? It may be something new that I am not aware of that has caused a problem.
Their website lists all things that are NOT in the broth but does not disclose what IS in it.
Here is the website.
www.pacificfoods.com/products-broths.php
Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
Unfortunately, the way the food labeling laws are written, flavors can be bundled together and all that needs to be specified is “natural” or “artificial.”
There’s nothing toxic in this broth, but obviously it contains something you are individually sensitive to.
I suggest making your own broth. In the wintertime, I make chicken broth every week.
Here’s how I do it.
1. Roast a whole chicken. Just take out any innards that may be in the cavity, wash it, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I also sprinkle with crushed celery seeds, but this is optional. I roast it at 375 degrees until I can wiggle the legs easily. Also, if you poke it with a knife, the juice should run clear.
2. I let the bird cool and remove all the meat. Then I put all the bones and crispy skin into a big soup pot with 3 or 4 carrots, 3 or 4 ribs of celery (with tops), and 3 medium onions. You don’t need to clean them or remove skins, just chop roughly into big pieces. Cover with water and bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour. Let it sit on the stove til cool. Strain and put it in the refrigerator.
