Hillshire Farm products not safe for human consumption? The claim is based on half-truth

Hillshire Farm was founded in 1934, specialized in sausages, deli meat and other packaged meat products. The products are widely available in many grocery stores. But recently, many social media posts are claiming that the products of this company are not fit for human consumption as they use a few ingredients which are harmful.

The posts claim that Hillshire farms products contain Genetically modified Organism (GMO) maize, carrageenan and sodium phosphate which impacts the liver and leads to many diseases. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. GMO, carrageenan and sodium phosphates in Hillshire Farm products are approved by food safety regulatory panels and declared as safe when consumed within prescribed limits. 

Facebook | Archive

Fact Check: 

Let’s check the safety of the ingredients mentioned in the post.

GMO: 

On 2 July 2025, the European Commission approved two new GMO maize varieties and renewed one more for import only—they cannot be grown in Europe. The European Food Safety Authority confirmed these maize are just as safe as regular maize. The approvals last 10 years, and all products from them must follow the EU’s strict labelling and traceability rules. Since EU countries couldn’t agree on the decision, the European Commission was legally required to approve them.

Carrageenan:

Carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide derived from red seaweed. It is also known as carrageen moss, Irish moss, and carraigin. It is a vegan alternative to gelatin, and used as a thickening agent. It is commonly found in products like chocolate milks, processed meats, toothpastes, air freshener gels etc. 

According to the FDA, Carrageenan is a food additive made from specific types of red seaweed, such as Chondrus crispus and Eucheuma cottonii, and is approved for use as an emulsifier, stabilizer, or thickener in foods, except in standardized foods where such use is not permitted. It is a sulfated polysaccharide with a sulfate content of 20-40% on a dry weight basis. To ensure safety, products containing carrageenan must clearly label it as “carrageenan.”

As per National Institute of Health’s report, food-grade carrageenan has a large molecular weight and is not absorbed by the body. It remains stable in the digestive system. Studies show that carrageenan does not cause cancer or promote tumors, and its effects on the immune system are not relevant to its oral consumption. Poligeenan, a degraded form of carrageenan, is not a food additive and has different toxic properties at high doses. Toxicological studies on carrageenan at very high doses (much higher than human exposure) show no harmful effects. International food safety organizations, like JECFA, have reviewed carrageenan and consider it safe for consumption with no specified daily intake limit.

EFSA evaluated the food additive carrageenan (E407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a). These substances are similar in structure, so they were assessed together. Studies show that carrageenan is not absorbed by the body, is not toxic even at high doses, and does not cause cancer or genetic damage. Processed Eucheuma seaweed is considered equally safe. However, there are uncertainties about its chemistry, exposure levels, and some biological data. Because of these gaps, the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 75 mg/kg body weight per day is set for a temporary period. The organization is continuing its research on carrageenan. 

Sodium Phosphate: Sodium phosphate is approved for use in foods in both the United States and the European Union. In the US, the FDA considers it safe when used appropriately. In the European Union, it is commonly used as an acidity regulator, stabilizer, texture improver, and shelf-life enhancer. Phosphate additives, including sodium phosphate, are authorized in a wide range of food categories such as bread and bakery products, processed cheese, sugars and syrups, infant foods, and beverages.

Sodium phosphates (mono-, di-, and tri-sodium phosphate) are food additives mainly used to control acidity (pH) and act as stabilizers in processed foods. They help fruits and vegetables keep their color and texture, stop foods from clumping, and improve moisture retention. These additives are also used in baked goods, cereals, beverages, and dairy products. The FDA recognizes them as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). However, a few studies have shown that eating too much phosphate may be harmful for the kidney, bones, and heart. 

Conclusion:

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. GMO, carrageenan and sodium phosphates in Hillshire Farm products have been declared safe by food safety panels when consumed within prescribed limits.