MMMMMMM these look awesome!

Jello/ Gelatin controversy

MMMMMMM that looks awesome!







This all came about when I was looking at an Australian site that sells imported American food. I noticed that they won't be importing jello anymore because they weren't sure that it didn't come from cow or swine infected with some sort of foot/mouth disease.

So it made me wonder. Jello is a Kosher item, Jewish folks can't eat pork. How is this? Jello/gelatin are in numerous amounts of items, such as medicines, ice creams, sour cream,etc. How are they (Jews, Muslims, and anyone else who does not consume pork) eating these products.

So I went to my roommate to ask her if she knew that there were pork parts in Jell-o, because she is not a pork eater. She didn't have any idea even what was in Jell-o let alone there were pork skin and cow bones. So we decided to look at the back of the box where the ingredients were listed. GELATIN. That's what it said.

I decided I was going to look it up and heres what the GELATIN MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE OF AMERICA had to say:

Q. What is gelatin?
A.

Gelatin is defined as a "product obtained from partial hydrolysis of collagen derived from natural sources such as skin, connective tissue, and bones of animals." It is an easily digestible protein that contains all the essential amino acids except tryptophan. Gelatin is NOT a chemical or chemically modified substance.


Q. Where does gelatin come from?
A.

The raw materials used in the production of gelatin are from healthy animals and include cattle bone, cattle hides and fresh, frozen pigskins. In the North American market, these raw materials are basically sourced from government-inspected meat processing facilities.

Q. How is gelatin used?
A.

Gelatin has traditionally been used in three major areas: food, pharmaceutical, and photographic industries.

Gelatin use in the food industry is probably best recognized in gelatin desserts and confectionery applications such as marshmallows and gummi candies. It is also used as a binding and/or glazing agent in meats and aspics.

In the pharmaceutical health industry, gelatin is used to make the shells of hard and soft capsules for medicines, dietary/health supplements, syrups, etc. It is highly digestible and serves as a natural protective coating for medications.

The unique chemical and physical properties of gelatin make it an important component in the photographic industry. Gelatin serves many useful purposes in the preparation of silver halide emulsions in the production of photographic film.

A new, major application for gelatin is in the paintball industry. The classic-style "war games" are played out using projectiles constructed of gelatin.

Q. Can gelatin be certified kosher or halal?
A.

While the Jewish and Islamic requirements are quite different, gelatin does carry the approval of both groups.

There are many Jewish Rabbinical agencies that grant approval. While each agency is not universally recognized by all the other agencies (within each religion) it is up to the individual Rabbi, at the plant using the gelatin in a finished product, to accept or reject the certification.

The same is true of Islamic agencies certifying, or accepting, Halal status.


Those questions being asked and answered I still wonder how could Jewish and Muslim religions allow the consumption of a product made with the frozen skin of pork?

If anyone has an answer for me please let me know. I know a few middle easterners who do NOT consume pork and love jello. This could be a major problem for them if/ when they find out this information.

Mik,
I want a kitty like this. Pleeeeeeaaaase!

Blog Deflowering

And so, I have now stepped into the world of the Blog, the Blog of my beautiful angel. I doubt that I'll ever have anything of great value to add here, for my passions and most profound moments are kept and delivered only to Miss Beautifully Profound, but she entreated me that I put a bit of myself here, as what this Blog contains was, and continues to be a part of her life and mindset, of which I am now privileged to be a part of, just as she is a very major part of mine.

My days and nights are spent thinking of her, the physical distance sometimes too much to bear, with not being able to hold, comfort and caress her, she who means the most, my beautiful angel. This will make us stronger, but it's a bitter pill to try and swallow, but in the end it will be all worth it, and together, we will be stronger, wiser and enduring.

Always, in all ways...

Sandals with socks gripe

I really don't know what it is about people who wear sandals with socks. But it really fucking annoys me. Sandals I believe are designed to free the feet of conventional shoe and sock. Why people insist on wearing their sandals with a sock is beyond me. I keep thinking, maybe it's because they don't have suitable feet for sandals, in which case sandals shouldn't ever be purchased. Maybe it's because they don't know any better? It is a true mystery. Just keep in mind the next time you even have the thought to throw on a pair of sandals over your dirty disgusting socks, it makes you look like nerd king # 1.

Lavande

Wedding and reception spot. I am getting married, it's unbelievable as well as completely insane that I am actually getting married to the man of my dreams. At least I know I will be happy for once in this miserable life. Planning a wedding, even eight months out is quite stressful though. I am sure the stress will turn into anticipation and happiness that the day will finally be upon us. I can't wait to be the future Mrs. None of your business. It will be no doubt one of the happiest days of my life. I know he feels the same. In the meantime I will wallow in "mall hell", and daydream of our future lives.