<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> A post last week indicated that USDA regulations had changed in July to allow manufacturers to add modified food starch to ham products without it appearing on the package label. This does not appear to be correct. The following excerpts from the regulations state the packaging requirements. Unfortunately, if we see modified food starch on a label, we must still question the source. Joel See http://www.fsis.usda.gov:80/OA/fr/99-12882.htm for the full ruling on "Ham water added". "Paperwork Requirements Abstract: FSIS has reviewed the paperwork and recordkeeping requirements in this direct final rule in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This direct final rule requires manufacturers opting to use soy protein concentrate, singly or in combination with either modified food starch or carrageenan, as binders and extenders in certain meat products to revise their product labels and submit them to FSIS for approval. However, labels will not have to be revised for increasing the use level of modified food starch in ``Ham and Water Product--X% of Weight is Added Ingredients'' products that presently contain modified food starch, provided the increase in the use level does not change the order of predominance of the ingredients." See http://www.fsis.usda.gov:80/oa/fr/98-064.htm for the full ruling on "Ham with natural juices". "If a manufacturer decides to make a ``Ham with Natural Juices'' product that includes a binder, but which adheres to the PFF value for a ``Ham with Natural Juices'' product, it will have to be labeled accordingly. Modified food starch and the other permitted binders will have to appear in the ingredients statement to inform consumers of their presence." ------------------------ Joel Elias mailto:[log in to unmask]