Myths & Truths

GMO

“Canned foods that do not display a GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) label do not contain modified organisms. EU law mandates that all Genetically Modified Foods for human or animal consumption that consist of or are produced with Genetically Modified Organisms (unless their presence is less than 0.9% of the food or the presence of the ingredient is accidental or technically inevitable), bear the GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) label. In Greece especially, the use of the NON-GMO (Non-Genetically Modified Organisms) label on foods that do not originate from Genetically Modified Crops or have not been produced by using Genetically Modified Organisms is misleading advertising and is not acceptable under law.”

The truth

Food (for humans or for livestock) has been, and still is, generally derived either from plants grown by humans or from animals raised and catered to by humans for thousands of years. Over time, the plants and animals with the most desirable characteristics were the ones selected for the continuous reproduction of quality food. This was the case, for example, with plants that demonstrated greater resistance to environmental circumstances, such as diseases, or those that overall generated increased crop productivity. These desirable characteristics appeared through natural modifications of the genetic composition of these plants and animals. In the recent past, techniques in modern biotechnology, otherwise known as gene technology, have made it possible to modify the genetic makeup of living cells and organisms. The genetic material is artificially modified to acquire new properties (e.g., increasing plant resistance to diseases, insects or drought, plant tolerance to herbicides, improved food quality or nutritional value, increased crop productivity, or resistance to environmental pressures, such as diseases). These organisms are called “genetically modified organisms” (GMOs). Food that consists of such GMOs, or is produced from GMOs, is called “genetically modified (GM) food”.

The EU, to date, has approved 58 GMOs for use in food or animal feed (that includes corn, cotton, soy, canola oil and sugar cane). 58 application dossiers are pending, 17 of which were approved by EFSA and 1 was inconclusive. The list of approved GM plants and the exact scope of their approval are available in the EU Register for genetically modified food at the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/food/dyna/gm_register/index_en.cfm.

EU legislation mandates the labeling of GMOs on all GM foods that consist of or are produced from GMOs, unless their presence is less than 0.9% of the food or the presence of the ingredient is accidental or technically unavoidable. Conversely, in the case of “GMO-free” labeling (indicating that the food does not contain genetically modified crops or has not been produced using GMOs), it may be used, in accordance with EU law, provided that the general rules on food labeling are respected and that the information provided to consumers is not misleading. Some Member States have introduced GMO-free labeling schemes for their food products. In our country, the use of the “GMO-free” label on foods that do not contain genetically modified organisms or have not been produced using GMOs is considered misleading advertising and is not allowed.

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Preservatives

Canned seafood products contain preservatives

The truth

Greek and European legislation explicitly prohibit the use of preservatives, particularly in the category of canned fish. For the preservation of canned food, the process that is followed is exactly the one we follow at home. We cook the food item for a long time and then store it in sealed glass or metal containers. This type of heat treatment destroys dangerous micro-organisms, while the airtight storage allows food to be kept at room temperature for a longer time period.

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Mercury

Canned tuna is dangerous for our health because it contains mercury.

The truth

Canned tuna of the large species, namely yellowfin tuna* (thunnus albacores*) and white or long-fin tuna (thunnus alalunga), contains medium levels of mercury. Canned tuna of the smallest species, such as Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), however, contains less than 1/3 of the mercury concentration of the above species. At TRATA we use only Skipjack tuna and control the concentration of mercury in each batch of tuna, thus maintaining much lower acceptance limits than those set by European legislation. At the same time, we contribute to the rational and sustainable management of catches, since the Skipjack tuna species does not belong to the official Red List of endangered species, as published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In contrast, other species of tuna, such as yellowfin tuna and white or long-fin tuna, are classified as…

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Scurvy

If you consume canned food, you run the risk of getting scurvy.

The truth

Scurvy was once a common disease amongst sailors, explorers, and the military since they were exclusively forced to eat foods high in preservatives and low in vitamin C for long periods of time. In developed countries nowadays, scurvy rarely appears and, if it does, it is the result of poor eating habits and minimal to zero consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. So, by combining your favorite canned TRATA with vegetables rich in vitamin C, which have not undergone intense heat treatment, you enjoy the benefits of a balanced diet.

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BPA FREE

All canned food contain coatings and varnishes that are harmful for our health.

The truth

The materials used to make tin cans are not all the same. The quality of the materials that come in contact with our fish are only of exceptional quality and of the highest health safety standards. Our company in recent years has collaborated with leading companies in the production of tin cans, as well as with research institutions, and has invested significant resources to develop and use packaging materials that are free of bisphenol A. We want to communicate this course of action to the world and announce that our new line of tuna products that will be released is marked BPA free.

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Histamine

Canned fish can cause scombroid poisoning.

The truth

At KONVA, all our fish undergo thermal processing and sterilization and are packaged within 24 hours, which keeps them fresh in their sterilized containers (cans). This way, we ensure that our fish won't spoil and there is no fear of histamine poisoning, which is mainly caused by improper processing practices.

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