How healthy are processed oat products for me?

Oats are the only cereal grain that is farmed in significant quantities that is a complete food. Other cereals such as wheat and barley are used to manufacture ingredients in other products that, while not being unhealthy, do not necessarily have health benefits.

 Do oats contain fat and is this fat cholesterol?

All cereal grains contain varying levels of fat. The fats contained in Oats are primarily Mono-Unsaturated and Poly-Unsaturated which are not as harmful as Saturated Fats. Cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin such as meat, dairy products and eggs. Oat products such as Flaked Oats and Oat Bran will in fact assist in the control and reduction of blood serum Cholesterol levels. See “Health Benefits”.

 Have the Oats used by Quaker Oats Australia been Genetically Modified?

Quaker Oats Australia uses only varieties of oats that have been bred using traditional plant breeding techniques. To our knowledge, there are no varieties of oats in Australia that have been bred using Genetic Modification techniques. As at 6th May 2002, according to the Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator website no Genetically Modified Organism oats had been approved for General Commercial Release in Australia.

 Are there any additives used in the processing of Oats?

Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd uses 100% oats in all of its processes. The only other inputs are water and heat.

 Are pesticides used in the production of Quaker Oats products?

Inorder for the oat to be stabilised for a long shelf-life, it is heated to temperatures of around 100° Celsius. This process destroys all stages of insect development. However it is necessary to maintain a regimen of fumigation in our production facilities to ensure no infestations occur elsewhere. The fumigants used are non-residual and are applied at rates s specified by the manufacturer.

 If we require an oat product that is currently not available, could Quaker Oats make this product for us?

Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd has a history of developing new products and new processes in response to customer requirements. We are certainly willing to discuss any product ideas you may have.