SusieCJ,
Others may be able to respond with better information, but I can share the following:
1. Here are two links about the facility that makes the products:
http://www.idealprotein.com/ca/ideal...-loss-partners
http://www.pharmalab.ca/
2. I used exclusively IP products (not alternative ones) for a year. I am extremely sensitive to foods and smells. As I was writing with you before, I didn't love the taste, but it didn't have any ill effects on me other than the typical ketogenic diet affects of constipation and bad breath. The bad breath did subside a little over time, and I handled the constipation with magnesium. I personally didn't have any hair loss or other things like that.
I also use IP through my doctor, who is a DO and very particular about things. For me, the protein was used very well in my body and I felt very good about the IP protein quality, even though I wasn't thrilled about the artificial flavoring. Now that I am on maintenance, I have a few IP products leftover that I still use every few days, and they seem to still be fine. What I notice about them is that my body utilizes the protein very quickly - i.e. if I am having a need for protein, I can feel it uses it more quickly then it would with meat or something. That could totally be my imagination of course
I put quite a bit of thought and research into all of this, and in the end (and this is what I continue to feel) the health effects of being overweight far outweighed whatever effect the IP products and ketogenic VLC diet would have. So far that is clearly true for me, so much health-wise has cleared up now - back pain, overall pain, digestive problems, discomfort overall, blood sugar swings that caused mood swings, headaches, sleep problems... there are more. So that's the way I looked at it.
This of course is just my experience. Others may have more or better things to help with. Good luck! These are important questions you are asking yourself.