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The Results of an Investigation of the Claimed Nutritional Values of Tehina

Screened on 25th July, 2013: Kolbotek (Consumer Program) - Channel 10 - Israel TV

According to Israel food regulations, tehina paste (tehini) has to be one hundred percent sesame.  Some salt and water is permitted.  Food additives and food colorings are prohibited.

The recommended daily calcium requirement is as follows:

Israel imports most of its sesame seeds from Ethiopia, India, Canada and Singapore - a total of 50,000 tons per year.

Two types of tahini paste are available commercially in Israel;

Tahina Golmi  is tahini that is produced from the sesame seed alone and is rich creamy white in color.

Tahina Maleh is tahini that is produced from the sesame seed as well as the outer husk.  This is much darker in color.

There are many brands of tahini (sesame paste) available in Israel most of them claim to be rich in calcium and iron.  But is the food labeling on the product telling us the truth?

The calcium content of sesame is as follows:

A sample of sesame seeds with and without the outer husk was sent to two  Italian laboratories to test the calcium and iron content.  A sample of 16 different types of tahini paste were sent.

The Israeli standard allows for a variation of the stated nutritional value of tahini paste, as indicated on the label, of between 80 - 120 percent.  These were a sample of the calcium and iron content results:

The conclusion of the Italian laboratories is, on a whole, the nutritional value of the tehini products are lower than indicated on the label.

The Israeli food standard for tehini stipulates that no other ingredients which are  not a derivative of sesame are to be added.  This means starch, whiteners and colorants are forbidden.

Now the bad news...

Titanium dioxide is a chemical additive used as a whitener in the food, plastics and metal industries.  It is carcinogenic (cancer forming).  In Germany it has been banned for use as an additive in foodstuffs.

In Israel, however, titanium dioxide is permitted an an ingredient in the food industry.

Two of the brands were tested in Italy and the following results were found:

In conclusion, Kolbotek claims the best 3 brands that met all Israeli food standards and showed the best laboratory results are:

El Arz

Achva

Hamutag

Related articles of interest

• The Olive Oil Consumer Report
• Supermarkets
• The Shuk - Open Air Market
• On the Pita, Hummous & Felafel Trail
• Consumer Forum

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