Is General Tao Chicken Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Michelina's
General Tao Chicken is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Michelina's. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Carrageenan, Sodium Phosphates affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like modified corn starch and sodium phosphates, which raise quality concerns. The presence of carrageenan and brown sugar also indicates a less favorable composition.
Main concern
Modified corn starch is a processed thickener that raises concerns about ingredient quality.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains chicken breast meat, providing a source of protein.
- Includes vegetables like carrots and broccoli, contributing to nutritional diversity.
- Soy sauce and sesame oil add flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Natural flavors are present, which may improve taste without synthetic additives.
Concerns
- Modified corn starch is a processed thickener that raises concerns about ingredient quality.
- Carrageenan is a thickener linked to digestive issues in some individuals.
- Brown sugar adds sweetness but is a refined sugar, which may not be ideal for health-conscious consumers.
- Sodium phosphates are synthetic additives that can raise quality concerns.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this food.
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a base ingredient, essential for cooking and moisture retention in the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
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Is Rice safe in this food?
Good
Rice is used here as base. Cooked long grain rice provides carbohydrates and serves as the main component of the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cooked long grain rice
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Is Chicken Breast Meat safe in this food?
Good
Chicken Breast Meat is used here as base. Chicken breast meat is a lean protein source, contributing to the dish's nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: chicken breast meat
-
Is Enriched Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Enriched Wheat Flour is used here as base. Enriched wheat flour is used for breading, providing texture but is a refined ingredient.
Role in formula: base
Original: enriched wheat flour
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to potential health risks.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Brown Sugar safe in this food?
Medium
Brown Sugar is used here as sweetener. Brown sugar adds sweetness but is a refined sugar, raising concerns for health-conscious consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: brown sugar
-
Is Soy Sauce safe in this food?
Medium
Soy Sauce is used here as flavor. Soy sauce adds umami flavor but contains sodium, which should be monitored in diets.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: soy sauce
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a common cooking oil but is often refined, raising some quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: canola oil
-
Is Ginger Puree safe in this food?
Good
Ginger Puree is used here as flavor. Ginger puree adds flavor and has potential digestive benefits, enhancing the dish's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ginger puree
-
Is Garlic safe in this food?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic is known for its flavor and potential health benefits, contributing positively to the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic
-
Is Carrageenan safe in this food?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as thickener. Carrageenan is a thickener linked to digestive issues in some individuals, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: carrageenan
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Is Sodium Phosphates safe in this food?
Bad
Sodium Phosphates is used here as preservative. Sodium phosphates are synthetic additives that can raise quality concerns regarding ingredient safety.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium phosphates
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3916155
More from this brand: Michelina's products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.