Is Homestyle Chicken Burgers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Woolworths Select
Homestyle Chicken Burgers is a meat product from Woolworths Select. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Acidity Regulator 451, Preservative 223.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes chicken and water as primary ingredients, but also contains preservatives like sodium metabisulfite (E223) which raises safety concerns. The presence of wheat and additives indicates moderate processing.
Main concern
Contains sodium metabisulfite (E223), a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns.
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 a high percentage of chicken (80%), indicating a meat-rich product.
- Includes natural ingredients like onion and parsley, contributing to flavor.
- Wheat plant fiber may enhance texture and moisture retention.
- Water is a common ingredient that aids in the overall composition.
Concerns
- Contains sodium metabisulfite (E223), a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns.
- Wheat flour and wheat protein may pose allergen risks for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Acidity regulator (E451) indicates some level of processing, which may affect quality.
- The presence of canola oil, while common, raises concerns about refined oils.
Who should avoid this product?
This meat product may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this meat product so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Chicken safe in this meat product?
Good
Chicken is used here as base. Chicken is the primary ingredient, providing protein and essential nutrients. Its high percentage indicates a meat-rich product.
Role in formula: base
Original: Chicken (80%)
-
Is Water safe in this meat product?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is essential for moisture and texture in the product, contributing to overall palatability.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Wheat Flour safe in this meat product?
Medium
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour is used in breadcrumbs, providing structure but may pose allergen risks for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: base
Original: Breadcrumb (Wheat Flour, Water, Yeast, Salt)
-
Is Yeast safe in this meat product?
Good
Yeast is used here as flavor. Yeast is a natural leavening agent that contributes to the texture of the breadcrumbs, enhancing the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Yeast
-
Is Salt safe in this meat product?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, though excessive amounts can raise health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Onion safe in this meat product?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion adds natural flavor and aroma, contributing positively to the overall taste profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion
-
Is Spice Extract Pepper safe in this meat product?
Good
Spice Extract Pepper is used here as flavor. Spice extract provides flavor enhancement, contributing to the overall taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Spice Extract (Pepper)
-
Is Acidity Regulator 451 safe in this meat product?
Bad
Acidity Regulator 451 is used here as stabilizer. E451 is a synthetic acidity regulator that may raise concerns regarding its processing and safety in food products.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Acidity regulator (451)
-
Is Parsley safe in this meat product?
Good
Parsley is used here as natural_extract. Parsley is a natural herb that adds flavor and may provide some nutritional benefits, enhancing the product's quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Parsley
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this meat product?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as base. Canola oil is a common cooking oil that may raise concerns due to its refined nature and potential processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Canola Oil
-
Is Preservative 223 safe in this meat product?
Bad
Preservative 223 is used here as preservative. Sodium metabisulfite (E223) is a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns due to potential allergic reactions.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Preservative (223)
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: 4251296
More from this brand: Woolworths Select products in Zerotox
Similar products: meat_product in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.