Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: CliffordK on 10/07/2012 01:52:21

Title: What percentage of our food is chemically derived from petroleum?
Post by: CliffordK on 10/07/2012 01:52:21
Just wondering how much gasoline the average American eats a year.
Title: Re: What percentage of our food is chemically derived from petroleum?
Post by: RD on 10/07/2012 05:16:18
Food colouring can be made from petroleum, e.g. ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Yellow_FCF

[ The petroleum used to transport the food from farm to the table will be much greater than that which is in the edible item ].
Title: Re: What percentage of our food is chemically derived from petroleum?
Post by: CliffordK on 10/07/2012 06:58:38
I realize certain things like white sugar is easiest to grow, then refine.

However, I was wondering about all of the food additives.

Artificial Flavors?
Synthetic Vanillin?

Quote from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanillin#History
While some vanillin is still made from lignin wastes, most synthetic vanillin is today synthesized in a two-step process from the petrochemical precursors guaiacol and glyoxylic acid.

I see that many substances such as citric acid, or MSG are produced from biologic/organic precursors.

Niacin may also be synthesized from non biologic precursors.

Carbon Monoxide is commonly added to meats in the USA.

Potassium Nitrate?  Ok, so it may not have carbon in it, but if fossil fuels are used to manufacture ammonia, and the ammonia is used to manufacture potassium nitrate, then it technically is from a fossil fuel source.