X-Message-Number: 29144
From: "Basie" <>
Subject: Large scale antifreeze protein production started!
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:17:27 -0500

Recent News
One recent, successful business endeavor has been the introduction of AFPs 
into ice cream. This ingredient, labelled ice-structuring protein, has been 
approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The proteins are isolated from 
fish and replicated, on a larger scale, in yeast.

There is concern from anti-GM organizations, stating that modified 
antifreeze proteins may cause inflammation (Dortch, 2006). However, as 
stated, ISPs have been approved for human consumption following diligent 
tests. Intake of AFPs in diet is likely substantial in most northerly and 
temperate regions already (Crevel et al, 2002). As well, it is safe to 
conclude from the history of AFP consumption that their functional 
properties do not impart any toxicologically significant effect (Crevel et 
al, 2002). Furthermore, consumption data on fish AFPs suggest that there is 
no allergenic effect (Crevel et al, 2002).

As well, the transgenic process of ISP production is widely used in society 
already. This is how mass amounts of insulin are made to treat people with 
type I diabetes each year. The process does not impact the product, it 
merely makes production more efficient and prevents the death of many fish 
who would, otherwise, be killed for the extraction of such protein.

Currently AFPs are used by Unilever to make products like some Popsicles and 
a new line of Breyers Light Double Churned ice cream bars. In ice cream, 
AFPs allow the production of very creamy, dense, reduced fat ice cream with 
fewer additives. They control ice crystal growth brought on by thawing on 
the loading dock or kitchen table which drastically reduces texture quality. 
This new product ends the quest for the taste and texture of full fat ice 
cream without the fat content (Regand et al, 2006).

Creamy, Healthier Ice Cream? What's the Catch?


There is a comprehensive article on anti freeze proteins at: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifreeze_protein


[edit] References

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=29144