Goya Hires Nutritionist/Food Scientist
MeriTerese Racanelli has joined Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, as a nutritionist and food scientist to help grow the Secaucus, N.J.-based manufacturer’s better-for-you product lines and wellness campaign to meet national consumer demand.
Goya’s current healthy-product lines feature a range of low-sodium and organic beans, organic brown rice and quinoa, frozen vegetables and fruits, and coconut water and other beverages, in addition to household mainstays such as olive oil and low-sodium condiments.
Bringing more than 15 years of extensive knowledge to her new role, Racanelli (left) will guide Goya’s research and development team on the nutritional benefits of specific ingredients, products and recipes associated with the variety of traditional Hispanic cuisines eaten by the company’s consumers. She will also educate consumers on incorporating natural foods, including beans and olive oil, into their everyday diets and that aid in weight management, along with diabetes, hypertension, celiac disease and other health issues.
New Product Options
“MeriTerese’s experience will help us to develop new products and recipes that will provide excellent food options for our consumers to live a healthy lifestyle and will aid in the reduction of various health conditions that are on the rise among the Hispanic community, including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and blood pressure,” said Goya President Bob Unanue.
“Goya Foods’ low-sodium canned beans are a good example of how good nutrition can be combined with convenience and good taste,” noted Racanelli, who, as a food scientist product developer, has created products, recipes, books and nutritional programs.
Her professional affiliations include membership in the American Society of Nutrition, the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, the New Jersey Dietetic Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Nutritional Foods Association and the National Hispanic Health Foundation.