by Shiro on Sun Feb 18, 2001 10:23 am
<B>* First, the animal skins are washed and bathed in hot water to remove the collagen. Once extracted, the collagen is soaked, filtered and purified, converting it to gelatin, Kraft spokeswoman Cathy Pernu said.<P>* The gelatin extract is then evaporated and dried, and sent along with flavored powders to Dover, Del., and San Leandro, Calif., for packaging.<P>* Oils that are left in the hot water baths are sold for pharmaceutical and industrial use. Any remaining solids are removed and sold as compost.<P>As the hides are washed in large 70-foot vats, bits of fat, hair and skin come off into the water, said Mary Persky, an environmental analyst with the state Department of Environmental Protection and one of the few outsiders who has seen the inside of the plant.</B><P>Now that's just FREAKY.