Fact or Fiction?

One of America’s favorite snacks is made from the connective tissue, skin, cartilage and bones of such animals as cows and pigs.\nJell-O, a Kraft Foods product, contains an ingredient called gelatin.\n“Gelatin is made from collagen, a protein that comes from animals used for food, like beef or pork,” Kim McMiller, associate director of consumer relations for Kraft Foods, said in an e-mail interview.\nThe majority of gelatin used in Kraft Foods products is produced using North American pork, McMiller said. \nGelatin production is supervised by the Food and Drug Administration. McMiller said because of the chemical change that occurs in gelatin during its production, the final product is not the same in composition or identity. Therefore, the U.S. government does not consider Gelatin to be a meat product.\nMany vegetarians, however, do not eat Jell-O or other products containing gelatin.\n“Vegans or vegetarians would not like to eat Jell-O because it’s made from gelatin, which is still a byproduct of an animal,” said Bloomingfoods Store Manager Meg Torrence.\nBloomingfoods, which has two locations in Bloomington, offers a gelatin-free alternative to Jell-O called Natural Desserts, available in strawberry and orange flavors.\nOther products that may contain gelatin are cosmetics, photographic film, frosted cereals, gel capsules, ice cream, jelly, marshmallows, shampoo, yogurt and some candies, such as fruit snacks.