GLOUCESTER, Mass., Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The $550 billion U.S. processed-food industry is seeking ways to eliminate or reduce fat as the population fights its overweight problem.
Proteus Industries of Gloucester, Mass., is one firm in this effort. Its work involves using a liquid solution of water and protein molecules as a shield to block meat from absorbing fat when fried.
The New York Times reports every major food producer and food-ingredient company has ordered its scientists to find products that either have less bad stuff like fat, white flour, sugar and salt, or more good stuff like whole grains, fiber and fish oil.
Among products expected soon to appear on grocery shelves is salty corn chips that will be marketed as healthy because the addition of chemically modified starches make them high in fiber. Another will be a bread with microscopic capsules of fish oil that help lower cholesterol.
Some nutritionists, concerned such efforts will only further confuse consumers, say the most obvious way to get more fiber is to increase consumption of whole and unprocessed fruit, vegetables and beans.
But food companies say convenience and taste still outrank nutrition as the top priority for most people.
