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Q: What is the difference between USDA Organic and EC Control Organic?
A: In 2000 the European Commission introduced a logo bearing the words 'Organic Farming - EC Control System' [Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91] to be used on a voluntary basis by producers whose systems and products have been found on inspection to satisfy EU regulations. Consumers buying products bearing this logo can be confident that:
- At least 95% of the product's ingredients have been organically produced
- The product complies with the rules of the official inspection scheme;
- The product has come directly from the producer or preparer in a sealed package;
- The product bears the name of the producer, the preparer or vendor and the name or code of the inspection body.
In the United States, the Organic Foods Production Act and the National Organic Program (NOP) are intended to assure consumers that the organic foods they purchase are produced, processed, and certified to consistent national organic standards. Products labeled "organic" must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List or non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form. The USDA seal and the seal or mark of involved certifying agents may appear on product packages and in advertisements. |
Q: These tomatoes do not have the DOP label! Are they really San Marzano tomatoes?
A: Yes, Carmelina ‘e… San Marzano® Tomatoes are produced in the region of Campania. We procure our raw materials from the same growers who produce DOP San Marzano tomatoes. The difference is we produce Carmelina ‘e… San Marzano® outside the auspices of the Consorzio San Marzano; therefore we do not pay the Consortium to use their stamp of so called “authenticity,” which is available at a considerably higher price to any packer in this region who pays the fees. Sadly, there are no other controls on this other than the location of the factory and the fees paid to the Consorzio San Marzano. We understand the reason to authenticate the San Marzano tomato and protect the growers from domestic “San Marzano style” products and other knockoffs, but ultimately we feel consumers do not want to pay more for the same product. With our company’s reputation on the line we feel confident that once the customer opens the can they will know Carmelina ‘e… San Marzano®. It should be obvious at that point that our product is true. An unlike most DOP San Marzano products, we do not add citric acid or basil to our products. |
Q: What is Mangia, Inc.™?
A: Mangia, Inc. ™ is a manufacturer and importer. With our joint venture partner, we manufacture Carmelina ‘e…San Marzano® and Carmelina Brands® products at our facilities in Italy and then import these products into North America. We are fully invested in our production facilities and the products are produced to our specifications each pack season. Our facilities are HACCP certified and ISO 9001 registered. |
Q: Where are Carmelina Brands® products stored?
A: Mangia, Inc.™ has a network of five warehouses located in key parts of the United States to provide nationwide coverage for our customers. One key benefit of multiple warehouses is to provide consistent pricing while keeping freight costs down. It also allows us to transfer inventory in rare circumstances an item is out of stock. To check FOB points around the country please visit our Warehouses section.. |
Q: How can I purchase your products?
A: Mangia, Inc.™ sells primarily to industry distributors and manufacturers. We rely upon our distributor partners to provide Carmelina Brands® products to foodservice operators and retailers. If we can help provide information for a local distributor, please contact us. For consumers interested in buying Carmelina Brands® products, please visit the Buy Carmelina Products section for both online and traditional retailers. |
Q: Your foodservice cans are smaller than the #10 cans I’m used to. Why?
A: Carmelina Brands® foodservice products are packed in the A9 (3 kg.) size can as opposed to the A10 (#10). Foodservice in the United States is generally accustomed to #10 cans because it is the common pack for foodservice domestically. In Italy, San Marzano tomatoes for foodservice are only packed in the A9 cans, and as an indicator of the location of production; we pack in the A9 as well for foodservice. When comparing different pack sizes, it is important to consider cost per ounce, useable product, and water content in the can. Carmelina Brands® will compare favorably with the competition when these points are considered. |
Q: What should I look for when comparing your products to others?
A: We feel that it is most important to compare ingredient and nutritional information when comparing canned products. All Carmelina Brands® products feature no added preservatives and are low in sodium.
Many canned competitive products have one or more of the following preservatives/additives:
Citric Acid – Sour tasting preservative which enables the manufacturer to run production lines at greater speed.
Calcium Chloride – Firming agent, which causes the preserved product to absorb and hold water. Many products with this added tout the value of a greater drained weight. These numbers tend to be artificially inflated due to the product absorbing extra water. This is especially counterproductive in tomato products used for making sauce, which must then be cooked longer to reduce the water content. The increased cook time contributes to greater acidity in the sauce.
Disodium EDTA – Chemical preservative added to canned beans to promote color retention. This is unnecessary, as properly cooked beans within code will retain their color.
Basil – Often added to tomato products with citric acid as an ingredient. Basil can enhance or even mask the flavor of the tomato.
High Sodium – Many canned products contain extremely high levels of salt. Those with dietary considerations as well as those looking to eat healthy should pay close attention to this line on the label.
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