The world’s best-selling Oreo cookies are at the center of an environmental scandal in the Netherlands. More specifically, it is the cocoa factory of the Olam company in Koog-sur-le-Zaan that has been in turmoil for a few days. In question, revelations from the Dutch newspaper North Holland Dagbla transmitted by free lunch alleging that ammonia, a toxic compound, is used in an industrial process to give the cookies their characteristic black color.
The story is not new. For years, environmental activists and local residents have complained in court about the smell of ammonia from the discharge from the Olam plant. Until now, the company had always explained that these emissions were released naturally when the cocoa beans were processed. But obviously he had omitted to mention that large amounts of ammonia were added to artificially darken the cocoa.
“No or very little ammonia in the final product”
According to the North Holland Dagbla, the Dutch government was aware, as was the Netherlands Environment Agency. Olam plant manager Eric Nederhand acknowledged adding ammonia to darken the Oreos, but declined to disclose the amounts used. However, he assures that “no or very little ammonia remains in the final product.”
“Its use is listed as a food additive in the data sheet of each ingredient,” he added. The Mondelez group, manufacturer of Oreos, in fact, points out that the mention “ammonium carbonate” is present on its biscuit packages and ensures that “the use of ammonium carbonate in food does not affect the quality or safety of the product” .
Source: BFM TV
