Read your labels...

Taurine, now a popular name thanks to the energy drink fad, is still under the microscope in some places because its consumption might have some unhealthy consecuences. It's got such a rep that it's been banned in France. Red Bull even went as far as searching for an alternative ingredient in order to sell their drinks in land of Asterix...

One of the habits that have come with the increased use of hydrocolloids in restaurant kitchens is reading labels in the supermarket. If you've never done it, you'll be surprised to find "new" ingredients as Xanthan, Gellan, Alginates and others in your everyday diet (Unless you eat really healthy and natural, that is).

On a recent visit to a friends house, I picked up the can of Baby Formula and was pretty impressed to run into Taurine in one of the ingredients. No wonder mothers complain kids these days are so active...

I know that I should have written to the people over at Mead Johnson to ask about this, but I haven't made the time for this...